A federal judge has given the Trump administration approximately 36 hours to disburse billions of dollars in foreign aid, including hundreds of millions designated for contractors—while also demanding clarification on whether the administration has defied her orders.
Judge Extends Block on Aid Freeze
Judge Loren AliKhan reaffirmed her injunction against President Donald Trump’s decision to halt federal aid spending. In a sharply worded ruling on Tuesday, she expressed frustration over the administration’s failure to comply with her previous court directive.
The Hill has more on the judicial setback for the administration’s efforts to align government spending with President Trump’s vision:
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan enjoined the government from “implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name” the White House budget office’s directive to freeze federal assistance while reviewing the spending.
“In the simplest terms, the freeze was ill-conceived from the beginning,” AliKhan wrote. “Defendants either wanted to pause up to $3 trillion in federal spending practically overnight, or they expected each federal agency to review every single one of its grants, loans, and funds for compliance in less than twenty-four hours. The breadth of that command is almost unfathomable.”
A coalition of nonprofits challenged the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s directive last month. Though the memo that spurred the lawsuit was rescinded, the coalition has argued that the administration maintains an interest in carrying out the same policy as part of its broader efforts to dramatically reshape the federal government.
“It’s an administrative priority to end wokeness and they’re backing that with this cudgel of withholding billions — perhaps trillions — in funding,” said Kevin Friedl, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, during a hearing on the preliminary injunction last week.
The decision is part of a broader legal battle over pauses to significant portions of government spending, including foreign aid. Health organizations and advocacy groups have challenged the move, arguing it violates federal law and disrupts essential international programs.
Judicial Scrutiny of Trump’s Fiscal Policies
AliKhan’s ruling is the latest in a series of judicial rebukes regarding the administration’s approach to funding freezes. Earlier this month, a federal judge in Rhode Island also found the administration in noncompliance regarding a separate funding matter.
Following Trump’s inauguration, his administration moved swiftly to implement a spending freeze through executive orders and policy memos. This broad pause affected billions in both foreign aid and domestic grants and loans, aligning with Trump’s priorities to curb government spending and shift focus toward his America First agenda.
Legal Challenges Mount Against OMB Decision
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) spearheaded the spending freeze, impacting trillions in federal expenditures. The decision has since sparked multiple lawsuits from Democratic-led states, civil rights organizations and progressive advocacy groups, arguing the freeze exceeds executive authority and harms vital programs.
As the legal battles continue, the administration faces increasing pressure to comply with court rulings and provide transparency regarding its handling of federal funds. The next 36 hours will be crucial in determining whether the White House abides by AliKhan’s directive or risks further legal repercussions.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Did anyone tell her he is the PRESIDENT and she does not have control over the executive branch. She is just a lowly judge that can be replaced. She is stepping outside of her area of responsibility.
Tell the Judge to Pound Sand! The Judicial Branch doesn’t tell the Executive branch how to spend our tax dollars, especially on fraud, waste and abuse bulls it.
NO
WE, the American citizens, weathered the months of Lawfare that the Democrats used to try to prevent Trump from returning to the Oval Office. It failed miserably. Now begins Stage 2, the incessant use of the Federal Courts and compromised “judges” to stop our President from enacting and delivering his agenda to the people. Anyone with even a modicum of understanding of the Constitution knows that this is NOT the use of our Judicial Branch intended by our founders. The courts are supposed to be unbiased and fair in solving legal disputes, but it seems so many of these jurists answer to a more self-serving purpose than the Rule of Law. Who knows where this will end.
Totally disregard the dumb judges order! Remove her from the bench!!