Court Clears Trump Foreign Aid Freeze

A federal appeals court lifted an injunction that required the U.S. State Department to continue foreign aid payments, ruling in favor of President Trump. The decision found that non-profit groups challenging the freeze lacked cause to press their claims. The Trump administration's pause and restructuring efforts on USAID were previously challenged.

A federal appeals court on Wednesday overturned a lower court's injunction requiring the U.S. State Department to resume foreign aid payments, marking a notable win for President Donald Trump.

In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit criticized the lower court for compelling the Trump administration back to payments approved by Congress. Trump's 90-day halt on foreign aid started the day of his second inauguration, with subsequent actions aiming to overhaul USAID.

Non-profits alleging legal violations in this freeze, like the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and Journalism Development Network, were found to lack standing for their suit. In dissent, Circuit Judge Florence Pan accused the ruling of undermining constitutional separation of powers.

(With inputs from agencies.)