Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Release $11.5 Billion in Withheld Foreign Aid

A federal judge issued an injunction ordering the Trump administration to release $11.5 billion in foreign aid before the fiscal year ends, ruling the withholding likely illegal.

President Trump had frozen the congressionally approved funds, deeming them misaligned with his foreign policy objectives and wasteful, challenging legislative authority.

Nearly $10 billion of the withheld funds were allocated for USAID's critical global health and HIV/AIDS programs, with nonprofits claiming the freeze halted lifesaving initiatives.

This marks the first time in nearly 50 years a president has used this tactic to bypass Congress, with the administration filing a notice of appeal.

The preliminary injunction mandates the release of the $11.5 billion, which is set to expire at month's end, preventing Congress from acting within the 45-day window.