Federal Court Blocks Trump's Global Aid Freeze: Relief for USAID

A federal judge has ordered a temporary lifting of the Trump administration's funding freeze, which halted US global aid programs. The lawsuit, filed by two health organizations, challenged the freeze that disrupted USAID initiatives worldwide. The ruling provides temporary relief to affected contractors and USAID staff.

In a significant legal development, a federal court ordered the Trump administration to temporarily lift its three-week freeze on funding, which had brought US aid programs to a standstill globally. Judge Amir Ali's ruling offers temporary relief to USAID and its worldwide contractors.

Health organizations receiving US funds challenged the freeze, arguing that the blanket suspension of congressionally approved foreign aid by the Trump administration lacked sufficient justification. Judge Ali's decision underscores the administration's failure to provide clear reasons for the funding halt.

This move marks the first judicial rollback of the Trump administration's efforts to cut foreign assistance, allowing USAID and State Department contractors to resume operations. The decision comes as another judge extends a separate order blocking layoffs at USAID.

(With inputs from agencies.)