The U.S. Supreme Court has handed former President Donald Trump a temporary victory by permitting his administration to pause billions of dollars in foreign aid spending. Chief Justice John Roberts granted an emergency request to block a lower court order that required the government to release nearly $5 billion in aid approved by Congress.
The funds, part of an $11 billion package, were earmarked for United Nations programs, peacekeeping missions, and democracy initiatives abroad. The Trump administration argued that it intends to cancel $4 to $5 billion through a rarely used maneuver called a “pocket rescission.” Under this approach, the funds would effectively expire if withheld until the fiscal year ends on September 30.
A federal judge had previously ruled that only Congress has the authority to control appropriations, making Trump’s freeze unconstitutional. Aid organizations challenged the move, warning that withholding the money would cause immediate harm to humanitarian programs and global development projects.
By granting the stay, the Supreme Court has allowed the freeze to continue while the case moves forward. Advocacy groups opposing the pause must now file their response briefs this week. The outcome could set a major precedent on the balance of power between Congress and the presidency, particularly in the realm of foreign aid and appropriated funds.
Supporters of the administration say the move aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda, arguing that U.S. tax dollars should be redirected toward domestic needs. Critics counter that the freeze undermines U.S. credibility abroad, weakens humanitarian support, and erodes America’s role in global leadership.
The final ruling by the Court will determine not only the future of this $5 billion in foreign aid but also the limits of executive authority over spending decisions already approved by Congress
