A federal judge has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s administration from freezing billions in U.S. foreign aid, delivering a critical blow to efforts to downsize humanitarian programs that reach 120 countries. Judge Amir Ali, appointed under the Biden administration, ruled that the Trump administration cannot \"suspend, pause, or otherwise prevent\" funding for global aid initiatives managed by USAID.
The decision follows Trump’s sweeping government restructuring, which included slashing USAID’s workforce from 10,000 employees to 300 and recalling thousands of staff from overseas posts. The agency, which manages $42.8 billion annually—42% of global humanitarian aid—faces existential threats as Trump allies push to dismantle its infrastructure.
\"This ruling safeguards lifesaving programs millions rely on,\" said a legal analyst familiar with the case. However, tensions escalate as Trump’s team fires USAID’s inspector general, Paul Martin, after his office criticized the administration’s downsizing tactics. The battle highlights broader clashes over America’s role in global development, with tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly advising Trump on government reduction strategies.
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U.S. judge temporarily lifts funding freeze on aid programs: Ruling
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