The judge said that the administration had failed to comply with earlier orders that the funds be unfrozen.
Published On 25 Feb 2025
A federal judge has ordered the administration of US President Donald Trump to pay foreign aid funds to contractors and grant recipients by the end of Wednesday.
The order marks the third time the judge in the case, Amir Ali, has ruled that officials must release funds that were frozen after Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid.
In Tuesday’s ruling, Judge Ali noted there is no indication the administration has taken any steps to comply with his earlier orders.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit — which include nonprofits and businesses with government contracts — have argued they may have to shutter their organisations if the agreed-upon funds are not paid.
They also allege that the administration has violated federal law and the United States Constitution by refusing to pay out the funds, which were allocated by Congress.
The complaint also points out that the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) might run afoul of the constitutional separation of powers, since Congress created the independent agency in 1961.
The court order applies to payments for work done before February 13, when the judge issued the earlier temporary restraining order.
On Sunday, USAID said that all of its staff, except certain essential workers, would be put on paid administrative leave starting on Sunday. In addition, 1,600 positions were eliminated.
“Individuals that are impacted will receive specific notification