Federal Judge Slams Trump's Foreign Aid Freeze

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must expedite nearly $2 billion in foreign aid payments after ruling against the administration's blanket freeze of funds appropriated by Congress. The freeze has disrupted humanitarian efforts, with legal challenges ongoing.

In a decisive legal turn, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled against the Trump administration, demanding it accelerate payments totaling nearly $2 billion in foreign aid. This came after a ruling that the White House's blanket freeze on foreign aid funds appropriated by Congress was illegal.

The freeze, enacted through a January 20 executive order, has sparked significant turmoil within humanitarian relief operations worldwide. Organizations affected by the freeze had sought legal intervention, arguing that foreign aid is a constitutional partnership between Congress and the executive branch.

The administration recently claimed to have completed a review of its awards, resulting in the termination of over 90% of contracts. Meanwhile, Judge Ali has ordered that payments owed to foreign aid contractors be released promptly, following months of monetary standoffs and legal appeals.

(With inputs from agencies.)