Big news in the political arena! 🇺🇸 A federal judge has temporarily lifted the freeze on funding for U.S. aid and development programs that was set by President Donald Trump's administration. This move brings a sigh of relief for many who rely on these vital programs around the world.
Judge Amir Ali, appointed by President Joe Biden in November, ruled that the Trump administration couldn’t continue to \"suspend, pause, or otherwise prevent\" the flow of foreign assistance funds. This decision was based on a Thursday ruling that puts a hold on drastic measures affecting humanitarian efforts.
Under Trump's orders, foreign aid funding was frozen, thousands of internationally based staff were called back to the U.S., and the USAID workforce was slashed from 10,000 employees to just around 300. USAID is crucial, managing a whopping $42.8 billion budget to distribute humanitarian aid in about 120 countries, covering everything from health programs to emergency relief.
The judge's new court order also prevents the government from making any changes to existing contracts until at least January 19, 2025. This means no more halting projects or stopping work on already approved programs.
Adding to the tension, Trump, who just started his second term last month, is spearheading a campaign backed by his top donor Elon Musk to scale back or even dismantle large parts of the U.S. government. USAID has been a major target, especially after Trump fired the independent inspector general for the agency following a critical report on his administration's efforts.
This ruling is a significant win for those who support continued U.S. humanitarian aid and highlights the ongoing political battles over the direction of foreign assistance programs. Stay tuned for more updates on how this unfolds!
Reference(s):
U.S. judge temporarily lifts funding freeze on aid programs: Ruling
cgtn.com
