Trump petitions U.S. Supreme Court for immediate mandate to keep foreign aid funds in suspension worth billions of dollars

The legal battle over nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid has reached the U.S. Supreme Court, after a lower court ruling that the Trump administration's decision to withhold the funding was likely illegal.

The case was initially started by nonprofit organisations, who argue that the funding freeze violates federal law and has halted funding for even the most urgent lifesaving programs abroad. U.S. District Judge Amir Ali's ruling last week supported this claim, stating that Congress, not the President, must approve the rescission proposal for the administration to withhold the money.

The Trump administration, however, has turned to the high court after a panel of federal appellate judges declined to block Ali's ruling. Solicitor General D. John Sauer, who was nominated by Donald Trump and took office in April 2025, has represented Trump in several Supreme Court cases, including presidential immunity and executive powers issues. Sauer called Ali's ruling an "unlawful injunction" and urged the justices to immediately block it.

The Trump administration's decision not to spend congressionally appropriated funds has been a contentious issue, with the administration using a pocket rescission, a method not commonly used by presidents for over 50 years. This decision could potentially cause damage to America's reputation abroad, as foreign populations may lose access to food supplies and development programs.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit previously threw out an earlier injunction issued by Judge Ali, but did not shut down the lawsuit. The legal fight has been going through the courts for months, and Judge Amir Ali understands that his ruling is not the final word on the matter.

Attorney Lauren Bateman of Public Citizen Litigation Group stated that the Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to bless its attempt to unlawfully accumulate power. U.S. Justice Department lawyers mentioned that another $6.5 billion in aid, initially subject to the freeze, would be spent before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

President Donald Trump announced on Aug. 28 that he would not spend the $4.9 billion in foreign aid. The Trump administration has requested an emergency order from the U.S. Supreme Court to keep billions of dollars in foreign aid frozen. The case raises questions about the legality of the Trump administration's use of a pocket rescission, and whether there is any means to test the executive branch's decision not to spend congressionally appropriated funds.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the future of the foreign aid remains uncertain. The decision could have significant implications for the separation of powers and the role of Congress in appropriating funds. The court's ruling is expected in the coming months.