Court Blocks Trump’s Bid to Halt Foreign Aid

Clear Facts

• A federal appeals court ruled against President Trump’s effort to block nearly $5 billion in foreign aid.
• The D.C. Circuit Court upheld a prior decision requiring the release of the funds.
• Two judges appointed by Democrats voted in favor; a Trump appointee dissented.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 on Friday, siding against the Trump administration regarding congressionally approved foreign aid.

Judges Cornelia Pillard and Florence Pan, appointed by past Democrat presidents, formed the majority. Judge Justin Walker, appointed by President Trump, dissented.

The panel stated, “appellants have not satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending appeal,” according to court records.

Earlier in the week, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali also criticized the administration for refusing to spend funds as dictated by Congress.

“Defendants have given no justification to displace the bedrock expectation that Congress’s appropriations must be followed and that absent a ‘claim of unconstitutionality that has not been rejected by final Court order, the Executive must abide by statutory mandates,’” Ali wrote.

Appeals court rules against Trump’s effort to cut nearly $5 million in foreign aid https://t.co/latE3QvoxY

— The Hill (@thehill) September 6, 2025

President Trump attempted to reclaim $4.9 billion from the State Department and USAID using a rarely invoked “pocket rescission.”

Congress was notified of the move in August. Officials argued the funds should not be released.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine objected to the administration’s actions, calling it an “attempt to undermine the law.”

Judge Ali’s ruling emphasized that the administration failed to provide a plausible legal explanation for blocking funds.

This appeals court ruling now ensures the foreign aid disbursement will proceed as required by Congress.

Keep up to date on issues impacting American governance. Stay vigilant as lawmakers continue to debate federal spending and executive power.

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