Foreign Policy
Do You Believe Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Violated the Constitution’s Separation of Powers?
Do You Believe Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Violated the Constitution’s Separation of Powers?
Here’s The Scoop
In a recent development, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to fulfill its financial obligations by paying the remaining foreign aid funds owed to contractors for completed projects. This decision comes amid concerns that the administration may have overstepped its constitutional boundaries by withholding nearly $2 billion in funds that Congress had already allocated.
Judge Amir Ali, appointed by President Biden, has ruled that the Trump administration likely violated the separation of powers by attempting to block these payments. According to Ali, the executive branch does not have the authority to decide whether funds appropriated by Congress should be spent, highlighting a potential overreach of power.
This ruling focuses on projects completed before February 13, with the amount owed currently standing at approximately $671 million. The court has requested a status update by March 14 to ensure compliance with the order, signaling a watchful eye on the administration’s actions.
The Trump administration’s initial move to freeze foreign aid payments was part of a broader effort to reassess and restructure foreign aid spending, reflecting a commitment to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively. However, this decision has sparked legal challenges and debates over the executive’s role in managing funds appropriated by Congress.
While the Supreme Court recently declined to extend the freeze on these payments, the case has been sent back to the D.C. federal court to determine the specifics of the payments. This ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between the executive and legislative branches over control of foreign aid distribution.
As the situation unfolds, the Trump administration’s efforts to scrutinize foreign aid spending continue to resonate with those who advocate for fiscal responsibility and a reevaluation of America’s role in international aid. This case could potentially return to the Supreme Court if the government decides to challenge any part of the ruling, keeping the spotlight on the balance of power and the proper use of taxpayer funds.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
Mark Smith
March 13, 2025 at 8:43 am
The USA does NOT need to send OUR Tax Dollars anywhere but in the USA. WHY are WE the PEOPLE paying for everyone else on this earth it’s our money STOP this nonsense. and 90% of that money is going into Politicians Pockets NOT where they say it’s going.
efred
March 13, 2025 at 2:02 pm
I thought that because Trump is the head of the Executive Branch, and only he is allowed to make treaties, under the “Advice and Consent” of Congress (Art. 2, Sect.2, Para 2). Even though SCOTUS has authority over all cases over treaties (Art.3, Sect. 2, Para 1), it only specifies authority over interstate treaties, and not international ones.
Also, because the president has authority sign in and back out of international treaties, such as the Paris Accord, NATO et. al., without SCOTUS getting involved, therefore it is doubtful that SCOTUS has authority to stop Trump from blocking USAID funding to foreign entities (current unconstitutional SCOTUS ruling notwithstanding).
Jerry C.
March 13, 2025 at 5:11 pm
The Executive Branch can negotiate treaties but they must be ratified by Congress before they can go into effect and ONLY Congress can withdraw us from a treaty. SCOTUS can stop anyone in the government from acting in a manner contrary to established law. Congress controls the purse strings and if they vote to allocate monies the Executive has no legal authority to withhold said monies except when a Declaration of War has been issued by Congress or a National Emergency declared.
Also, “Executive Orders” have no force of law and no binding effect on anyone outside the Executive Branch: they are merely policy memos from the department head (President) to his underlings in the department (Executive Branch). The President is expressly prohibited from making law (ruling by fiat).
Best read-up on “Checks and Balances”…