A federal judge temporarily lifted a three-week funding freeze imposed by the Trump administration, which had shut down U.S. aid and development work worldwide.
The ruling came after a lawsuit was filed by two organizations representing health groups receiving U.S. funds, highlighting the significant damage caused by the sudden halt in foreign aid.
Judge Amir Ali rejected the Trump administration’s argument that a blanket suspension was necessary for reviewing aid programs, noting it had disrupted thousands of contracts with nonprofits and businesses.
The ruling blocked Trump officials from enforcing stop-work orders and required funding to continue for existing contracts, particularly for health organizations working abroad.
Meanwhile, a separate case continued to challenge the Trump administration’s decision to pull most USAID staff from their jobs, with the judge questioning how employees and international aid programs were being affected.
