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2mo ago

Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Release $2 Billion in Frozen USAID Funds

The Supreme Court allows a lower court ruling to stand, as the White House moves to deter emergency lawsuits with new procedural directives.

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President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on March 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
The White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. President Donald Trump said 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico are on track to go into place on March 4, and said he would impose an additional 10% tax on Chinese imports, moves that would deepen his fight with the largest US trading partners. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images via Getty Images
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Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that the Trump administration must release $2 billion in USAID funds that were frozen under a presidential order, citing the suspension as irrational.
  • The Supreme Court declined to block the lower court's decision, allowing the case to proceed and leaving the administration obligated to comply with the ruling for now.
  • The Trump administration issued a memo urging agencies to enforce Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c), which requires plaintiffs in emergency lawsuits to pay financial securities upfront, potentially deterring legal challenges.
  • Critics argue that the administration's push for financial securities is an attempt to stifle lawsuits against its policies, which have included controversial actions on immigration, federal funding, and transgender rights.
  • Legal experts note that while the procedural rule gives judges discretion, its broader enforcement could create barriers for smaller organizations seeking to challenge government actions in court.