Chief Justice Roberts Upholds Trump Freeze on $5B Foreign Aid

Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily upheld President Donald Trump's decision to freeze nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, siding with the administration's emergency appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump invoked a rarely used authority known as a pocket rescission, submitting a late request to Congress to cancel the funding, which bypasses the usual legislative approval process and has sparked legal disputes over its legality. A lower court had ruled that withholding the funds was likely illegal and required congressional approval, but the Supreme Court's temporary order suggests a possible reversal of that decision. The administration argues that obligating the funds would conflict with U.S. foreign policy interests under its "America First" agenda, while critics warn that deep cuts to foreign aid could damage America's global reputation and harm vulnerable populations. The case remains ongoing, with the Supreme Court requesting responses from the plaintiffs and further proceedings expected. This legal battle highlights tensions over executive power in budgetary matters and the limits of presidential authority in spending decisions.