The Trump administration finds itself in a legal battle as it urgently appeals to the Supreme Court against a judge's order to pay nearly $2 billion in unpaid invoices to foreign-aid contractors within hours.
Legal Showdown at the Supreme Court
Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris filed an emergency application with the high court, arguing the impossibility of meeting the urgent deadline set by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali. The judge's order stems from lawsuits by aid groups claiming severe financial strain due to the funding halt.
The Judicial Ruling
Judge Ali, appointed by former President Joe Biden, issued the order after finding non-compliance with a previous court directive for the State Department to resume payments to foreign aid groups. Instead of unfreezing aid as mandated on Feb. 13, the State Department and USAID cited new legal grounds to maintain the freeze.
Consequently, Judge Ali mandated the administration to release payments for around $2 billion in completed work by aid contractors before the midnight deadline on Tuesday.
Impact on Aid Groups
Foreign aid-dependent organizations decry the abrupt funding cutoff resulting from President Trump's executive order. The halt has led to closures, job losses, and the cessation of crucial humanitarian efforts globally. They highlight the administration's intensified efforts to terminate contracts and halt aid flow post the court's spending freeze orders.
0 Comments