A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily lift a three-week funding freeze that halted U.S. aid and development programs worldwide. This significant ruling was issued by Judge Amir Ali in a lawsuit brought forth by health organizations dependent on U.S. funding for international programs on February 13, 2025. The decision marks the first judicial action addressing what many described as the abrupt cessation of assistance from the U.S. Agency for International Development (HuffPost).

Judge Ali noted that despite the Trump administration's justification—claiming a need to review the efficacy of various programs—"administration officials have not offered any explanation for why a blanket suspension of all congressionally appropriated foreign aid" was necessary. This freeze had reportedly disrupted contracts with thousands of nonprofit groups, leading to layoffs and halting humanitarian efforts around the globe, deemed crucial by Le Monde.

The order reinstates funding for existing contracts made before the administration's executive order issued on January 20, which called for a pause on foreign assistance funding. The judge's ruling prevents Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials from enforcing stop-work orders related to foreign aid programs that the administration is trying to dismantle, as highlighted by NPR.

This decision came amidst growing discontent about the chaos caused by the suspension, which has left suppliers in the U.S. and abroad without payment for services rendered, severely affecting the fiscal health of many organizations. "There has been a shockwave upending contracts with thousands of groups," Judge Ali stated in court.

In a concurrent case, Judge Carl Nichols extended an order prohibiting the Trump administration from laying off thousands of USAID employees, allowing court scrutiny of how the abrupt staff changes affect vital humanitarian work conducted globally. He focused on safety concerns for those on leave, especially in high-risk areas, as highlighted by reports from India Times.

USAID staffers have characterized their abrupt experience as akin to abandonment, particularly those who found themselves in conflict-affected regions such as Congo. They filed affidavits describing the dire situations they faced due to the funding freeze. SFGate reported that many USAID workers faced pending evictions from their homes because of the halted funding.

Legal experts and activist groups argue that the lack of congressional approval limits the Trump administration's authority to restrict USAID's operations. They warn that without consistent and reliable funding, the foundational mandate of USAID to provide international aid and support faces a jeopardized future. The ruling by Judge Ali showcases the judiciary's potential role in upholding the U.S. commitment to provide humanitarian assistance.

For further details, read the full articles at CBS News and Independent.