The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration in a case involving the withholding of $1.5 billion in payments by the US Agency for International Development (USAid). Chief Justice John Roberts issued an “administrative stay” allowing the payments freeze to continue, despite a federal judge’s deadline to release funds for work already completed.
The Trump administration’s decision to halt payments has been met with criticism, with workers at USAid describing the proposed cuts as a “catastrophic blow” that could lead to the closure of important programs. Over 4,000 USAid employees have been placed on leave, with some given just 15 minutes to clear out their workspaces.
In a statement, Virginia Democratic Rep Gerald Connolly called the attack on USAid employees “unwarranted and unprecedented”. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has stated that it is eliminating over 90% of USAid contracts and $60 billion in US assistance around the world.
The unfolding situation at USAid comes as President Trump focuses on reducing the size of the federal government in his second term. Additionally, the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with Trump to discuss efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine with Russia. Diplomats from Russia and the US are also meeting in Istanbul to discuss the operation of their embassies in Moscow and Washington.
The ruling by the US Supreme Court reflects the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding US foreign aid and government policies under the Trump administration.
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