Federal Judge Directs Trump Administration to Reinstating Funding for Foreign Aid

February 14, 2025 TruthUSA

The judge remarked that the overall suspension appeared to be ‘arbitrary and capricious’ and raised doubts about its relevance as ‘a rational precursor to program reviews.’

A federal judge ruled on Thursday that the Trump administration must reinstate funding for nonprofit groups dependent on federal grants for foreign aid.

Upon taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump implemented a 90-day halt on all foreign aid while a review of the relevant programs was conducted.

In a decision issued on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali indicated that the administration did not provide adequate reasons for why a blanket halt to all congressionally appropriated foreign aid was “a rational precursor to reviewing programs.”

Ali stated that the execution of the blanket suspension was likely “arbitrary and capricious” as it neglected to consider the significant reliance interests of the businesses and other organizations previously granted the aid.

“There is certainly nothing arbitrary and capricious about executive agencies reviewing programs,” the judge pointed out. “However, there has been no explanation presented in the record, let alone a ‘satisfactory explanation … including a rational connection between the facts found and the choice made,’ regarding why reviewing programs — many of which are longstanding and conducted under contractual obligations — necessitated an immediate and comprehensive suspension of approved foreign aid.”

The ruling temporarily prohibited the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Office of Management and Budget, and their representatives from halting the disbursement of foreign aid funds and from enforcing contract cancellations or stop-work directives.