Newsweek - A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has barred the Trump administration from unilaterally withholding billions of dollars in foreign assistance funds approved by Congress, delivering a major legal setback to the president's efforts to scale back overseas aid.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that the administration's refusal to spend roughly $12 billion in congressionally appropriated funds likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which governs how federal agencies make decisions. The decision follows months of litigation over whether the White House can delay or block spending approved under the 2024 appropriations law, much of which is set to expire on September 30 if not obligated.
The case goes beyond a fight over foreign aid dollars. At stake is the balance of power between Congress and the presidency, with the courts asked to decide whether a president can effectively override appropriations by letting funds expire. The ruling could set a precedent for how future administrations handle contested spending.
It also carries immediate consequences. Billions in U.S. foreign aid, relied on by nonprofits and global health programs, hang in the balance, with potential ripple effects for American influence abroad and the survival of organizations that depend on federal funding.
No comments:
Post a Comment