Summary
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to keep billions in foreign aid frozen. A legal dispute revolves around nearly $5 billion in aid that President Trump said he would not spend, using a rarely invoked authority. A U.S. District Judge ruled this action likely illegal, prompting the administration's appeal.
Key Facts
- The Trump administration is seeking a Supreme Court order to keep billions in foreign aid frozen.
- President Trump decided not to spend nearly $5 billion in approved aid, using a method called a "pocket rescission."
- A "pocket rescission" occurs when the president requests Congress not to spend money late in the budget year, so Congress cannot stop the request in time.
- U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that withholding the funds without Congress's approval was likely illegal.
- Justice Department lawyers mentioned that another $6.5 billion in aid would be spent by the end of the fiscal year.
- Nonprofit groups argue that freezing the funds violates federal law and affects important international projects.
- The administration appealed after a panel of judges refused to block Judge Ali’s decision.
