Summary
Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily upheld the Trump administration's decision to freeze about $5 billion in foreign aid. This decision came after an appeal to the Supreme Court, challenging a lower court's ruling that the funding freeze was likely illegal. The case is ongoing, with the Trump administration arguing for the freeze based on a procedure known as a pocket rescission.
Key Facts
- Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily maintained a freeze on nearly $5 billion in foreign aid.
- The freeze was put in place by the Trump administration, citing a contested power not used in about 50 years.
- U.S. District Judge Amir Ali previously ruled that Congress, not the President, must approve withholding these funds.
- The Trump administration used a "pocket rescission" to request not spending the funds late in the budget cycle.
- This legal action follows an appellate court's decision not to block Ali's ruling but also not closing the lawsuit.
- The Supreme Court will continue reviewing the case, with responses due shortly.
- The Trump administration argued that the aid freeze aligns with its policy of reducing foreign aid spending.
- The case involves significant legal questions about the executive branch's ability to bypass congressionally approved spending.
