Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Block on Billions in Foreign Aid

President Donald Trump's administration has sought intervention from the Supreme Court to block billions of dollars in foreign aid that Congress authorized, challenging the limits of presidential control over federally appropriated funds. The Justice Department argues that releasing approximately $4 billion in aid undermines U.S. foreign policy and threatens the president's ability to act coherently in foreign affairs. Lower courts have ruled that the administration must spend the funds unless Congress explicitly halts them, prompting the administration to appeal these decisions and push for a procedural mechanism called a "pocket rescission" to withhold $4 billion. Critics, including global health and aid groups, warn that the administration's cuts have led to layoffs and the shutdown of vital programs, with studies estimating millions of lives could be lost due to reduced funding. The Supreme Court has previously rejected some of Trump's attempts to block foreign aid payments, but recent appellate rulings have allowed the administration to continue withholding billions. This ongoing legal battle highlights a significant constitutional dispute over the separation of powers and the president's authority over congressional appropriations for foreign aid.