A federal judge has ordered the US government to restore funding for hundreds of foreign aid contractors affected by President Donald Trump’s 90-day blanket freeze on foreign assistance. The ruling comes in a lawsuit brought by two health organizations that receive US funding for overseas programs.
The order temporarily blocks the administration from canceling contracts and awards made before January 20, when Trump took office. The freeze was intended to allow for a review of efficiency and consistency with priorities but Judge Amir Ali found it “lacked any logical explanation”.
This is the first ruling to reverse Trump’s funding freeze on foreign assistance. It follows similar efforts by other Republicans to reduce government spending and downsize bureaucracy.
The decision comes as the administration prepares for widespread job cuts across various agencies, affecting thousands of employees.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/legal/judge-orders-us-restore-funds-foreign-aid-programs-politico-reports-2025-02-14