Supreme Court Allows Trump to Withhold $4 Billion in Foreign Aid

The Supreme Court has temporarily permitted President Donald Trump to hold back a $4 billion foreign aid package.

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, who was appointed by Biden, ordered the administration to distribute billions in foreign aid by Wednesday. In a brief order, Supreme Court Justice John Roberts stated that Trump could refrain from allocating these funds—an action he informed Congress about on August 28—for the time being. Roberts had filed a lawsuit from a group challenging the fund’s usage by Friday.

If Ali’s orders remain in effect, the administration must disburse the money by September 30th, as that is when the funds will expire. There’s an interesting note about Trump’s history with spending amidst Congressional scrutiny.

The Trump administration expressed that they need to take action immediately, citing that the lower court’s order posed a significant risk to the separation of powers.

“To ensure compliance in a timely manner, the administration must engage in diplomatic talks with foreign countries regarding the use of these funds,” they stated. The President will inform Congress about the planned obligations, considering that these actions may have counterproductive impacts on foreign policy.

Trump’s decision to cancel the funds was executed using a method referred to as “pocket recycling.” Informing Congress about such a significant decision at the end of the fiscal year prevents any room for response.

Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), recently defended this approach at the National Conservatism Conference on September 3.

“We don’t believe that Congress should lack budgetary authority, but we do believe the executive can exert its authority,” Vought explained.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.