The United States Supreme Court on Friday gave approval to President Donald Trump’s request to block the release of more than $4 billion in foreign aid that had already been set aside by Congress.
The ruling, delivered by the court’s conservative majority, permits the administration to pause the funds temporarily while legal challenges continue in lower courts.
The court said the president’s authority over foreign relations outweighed concerns about delays to aid programs. However, the order does not settle the case permanently and leaves the matter open for further hearings.
The three liberal justices disagreed with the decision, warning that the ruling gives the president the power to stop funds approved by Congress. They noted that the order came without a full hearing, detailed arguments, or deeper review.
The ruling means that $4 billion in assistance will not reach the countries and programs that were supposed to receive the support. The decision has also raised questions about how much control the executive branch can exercise over money approved by lawmakers.
Since taking office, Trump has sought to control federal spending more tightly and handed Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, the role of reducing the size of several government agencies. One of the main agencies affected by these efforts is USAID, which is responsible for providing health, food, and emergency assistance in more than 100 countries.