President Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a dispute over billions of dollars in foreign aid that Congress already approved.
In an emergency request filed on August 27, the administration urged the justices to pause a lower court’s ruling requiring the government to release about $12 billion in foreign assistance before the funds expire at the end of September. The Justice Department argued that without a quick decision by September 2, officials would be forced to negotiate aid agreements with foreign governments, only to possibly reverse them if Trump wins the case. Such backtracking, they said, would cause “irreparable diplomatic costs” and strain relations between Congress and the White House.
The controversy stems from Trump’s decision to freeze all foreign aid after taking office, insisting that funds should only be spent on programs aligning with his administration’s priorities. Foreign-aid groups sued, claiming the move violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which restricts a president’s ability to withhold money that Congress has approved.
A district court initially ruled against Trump, but a divided appeals panel later sided with the administration. The case is now moving quickly through the courts, with foreign-aid organizations pressing for a full appeals court review. The Supreme Court is being asked to step in ahead of the looming funding deadline.
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