NextFin news, A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ordered the Trump administration on Thursday to release billions of dollars in foreign aid that Congress had approved but the administration had withheld. The judge ruled that the freeze on $11.5 billion in aid was likely illegal.
The funds were approved by Congress for various international assistance programs, but the Trump administration delayed their release, citing policy concerns. The court's decision mandates that the administration comply with congressional appropriations and disburse the funds promptly.
The ruling came amid ongoing disputes over the executive branch's authority to withhold funds approved by the legislative branch. The judge emphasized the constitutional requirement that the administration must follow the spending decisions made by Congress.
The case was heard in a federal court in Washington, D.C., where the judge reviewed the legality of the administration's withholding of funds. The decision was issued on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The Trump administration has not yet publicly commented on the ruling. Congressional leaders welcomed the decision, stating it upholds the balance of powers and ensures that foreign aid commitments are met.
This development follows weeks of controversy over the administration's handling of foreign aid budgets, which are critical for U.S. diplomatic and humanitarian efforts abroad.
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