Trump Administration Defies Court Order, Continues Suspension of Foreign Aid

The Trump administration has announced that, despite a federal judge’s ruling last week to lift the suspension of foreign aid, it will continue withholding funding for thousands of humanitarian and infrastructure projects in countries like Afghanistan.

On February 14, Judge Amir Ali from Washington state ordered that foreign aid should be resumed, stating that the negative effects of halting aid had not been considered in Trump’s executive order. He directed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of State to continue their contracts and assistance.

Also See: US Aid Suspension to Severely Impact Economy of Afghanistan by 7%

In his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order suspending foreign aid to countries such as Afghanistan for 90 days. The administration stated that during this period, foreign aid would be reviewed to ensure it aligns with Trump’s agenda and U.S. national interests, and not used for political or ideological purposes like human rights or climate change.

According to Reuters, the Trump administration filed a request with the court on February 20, stating that it was reviewing the blocked agreements and that it should have the right to explicitly or implicitly cancel or suspend them based on its review.

The administration also stated that if Judge Ali’s ruling was misunderstood, he could issue a longer ruling to provide clarity, allowing the government to seek an immediate appeal.

The stance of the Trump administration on foreign aid continues to create tension, particularly regarding the suspension of funds that had been previously promised to vulnerable populations. While the legal battle over these aid decisions unfolds, the broader impact on international relations and U.S. humanitarian efforts remains a critical concern.

This news is sourced from [Khaama Press] and is for informational purposes only.