In a brief ruling on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s request to block a lower court’s order requiring the payment of nearly $2 billion in frozen USAID funds.
The decision, which effectively prevents the administration from further delaying payments to international aid groups and contractors for completed projects, marks a significant rebuke of the executive branch’s recent policies on foreign spending.
The case originated after President Donald Trump froze approximately $1.9 billion in USAID payments, prompting aid groups to seek judicial relief. In its one-paragraph opinion, the Supreme Court noted that the February 26 deadline imposed by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali had already passed. The Court directed the district court to provide new instructions, stating, “Given that the deadline in the challenged order has now passed, and in light of the ongoing preliminary injunction proceedings, the District Court should clarify what obligations the Government must fulfill to ensure compliance with the temporary restraining order, with due regard for the feasibility of any compliance timelines.”
Chief Justice John Roberts had earlier agreed to pause Judge Ali’s order—which had required the Trump administration to pay all outstanding invoices by 11:59 p.m.—after the Justice Department argued that the deadline was “impossible” to meet. Although Roberts did not elaborate on his decision to pause the lower court’s order, his action prevented foreign aid groups from immediately pursuing a motion of civil contempt against the administration—a legal strategy that could have accelerated the recovery of the unpaid funds.
Acting U.S. Solicitor General Sarah Harris argued in a court filing that while the aid groups’ claims were likely legitimate, the timeline imposed by the district court was neither logistically nor technically feasible. She further contended that enforcing such a deadline without consideration for the complexities of the payment system intruded upon the executive branch’s constitutionally granted foreign affairs powers.
The plaintiffs countered that the Trump administration had made no progress toward meeting the February 26 deadline, emphasizing that all outstanding invoices had been approved by USAID’s front-line managers well before the deadline passed. They accused the administration of dismantling critical payment systems and purging essential USAID staff, actions that they say have created significant bottlenecks in the process.
This legal battle unfolds against the backdrop of President Trump’s broader plan to cut foreign aid, which includes proposals to slash USAID contracts by up to 90% and eliminate an additional $60 billion in foreign spending. Critics warn that such drastic measures risk undermining U.S. influence abroad and could lead to economic and security repercussions, as diminished U.S. support may open the door for increased corruption and create opportunities for geopolitical rivals.
As the Supreme Court’s decision awaits further instructions from the district court, international aid groups and contractors continue to monitor developments closely, hopeful that a revised timeline will facilitate the long-delayed payments.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
A Chinese military official on Saturday rejected U.S. allegations about Beijing’s regional behavior, accusing Washington of destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Indo-Pacific allies Saturday they won’t be left alone against growing military and economic pressure from China—but they must also boost their own defense efforts.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily end legal protections for more than 500000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, exposing them to possible deportation.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
A celebration of Turkish cuisine and friendship took place in Karachi on Sunday as the Turkish Consulate hosted a World Breakfast Day event, sharing traditional flavours with a distinguished Pakistani audience.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
A celebration of Turkish cuisine and friendship took place in Karachi on Sunday as the Turkish Consulate hosted a World Breakfast Day event, sharing traditional flavours with a distinguished Pakistani audience.
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