Trump administration asks US Supreme Court to let it freeze billions in foreign aid

The emergency request came after a federal appeals court on Friday refused to block a lower court ruling that said the administration could not withhold the funds.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: September 8, 2025 08:13 PM IST

President Donald Trump waves to reporters as he walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival to the White House, in Washington. (AP)

President Donald Trump’s administration has asked the US Supreme Court to allow it to halt billions of dollars in foreign aid approved by Congress, the Washington Post reported on Monday.

The emergency request came after a federal appeals court on Friday refused to block a lower court ruling that said the administration could not withhold the funds. The ruling requires the government to move quickly to spend about $11 billion on aid projects before the congressional authorisation runs out in September.

Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid on 20 January, the day he began his second term. His executive order was followed by steps to scale back the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which distributes much of the funding.

The case was brought by aid groups that had expected to apply for grants this year. The administration has said it intends to spend $6.5 billion of the money but wants to withhold $4 billion that had been allocated to USAID.

US District Judge Amir Ali ruled that the government “cannot simply choose not to spend the money” and must follow appropriations laws unless Congress changes them. His order, if upheld, would limit the president’s ability to cancel aid without congressional approval.

While the court case continues, Trump has also tried to block the disputed $4 billion through a “pocket rescission,” a procedure that bypasses Congress, Reuters reported.

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