U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against Trump Administration on USAID Funding
The Supreme Court's decision mandates the release of frozen foreign aid funds by USAID, affecting humanitarian efforts worldwide.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday against the Trump administration's request to suspend all funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The court voted 5-4 to uphold a lower court's order requiring the Trump administration to disburse funds to foreign aid organizations that had already completed work for USAID.
In the days following Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, he issued an executive order that suspended disbursements of a $40 billion foreign aid fund established by Congress.
This fund is intended to assist countries facing hunger, epidemics, and other humanitarian crises across more than one hundred nations worldwide.
The suspension of funds affected thousands of USAID employees and left many humanitarian programs in a state of uncertainty, particularly in regions that require urgent federal assistance.
Several organizations, including the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the Global Health Council, filed lawsuits against the executive order, citing detrimental impacts on public health initiatives.
Under the Trump administration, approximately 90 percent of USAID programs were significantly curtailed, with a total of $54 billion in support withdrawn.
This led to increased scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding the administration's stance on international aid.
In related developments, László András, a member of the European Parliament from Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party and previously affiliated with the Megafon organization, has been appointed as a government commissioner to oversee the allocation of USAID resources in Hungary.
This appointment comes amid allegations from Hungarian officials that the U.S. Democratic administration has favored civil organizations and independent media worldwide, which they have characterized as harboring some of the 'largest corruption scandals' in the Western world.
Historically, USAID has been active since its establishment in 1961 and was instrumental in supporting various international aid programs, including initiatives under the previous Trump administration that benefitted Hungary, known as Hungary Helps.
In 2019, the Hungarian government even utilized support from USAID for its initiatives.
The court voted 5-4 to uphold a lower court's order requiring the Trump administration to disburse funds to foreign aid organizations that had already completed work for USAID.
In the days following Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, he issued an executive order that suspended disbursements of a $40 billion foreign aid fund established by Congress.
This fund is intended to assist countries facing hunger, epidemics, and other humanitarian crises across more than one hundred nations worldwide.
The suspension of funds affected thousands of USAID employees and left many humanitarian programs in a state of uncertainty, particularly in regions that require urgent federal assistance.
Several organizations, including the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and the Global Health Council, filed lawsuits against the executive order, citing detrimental impacts on public health initiatives.
Under the Trump administration, approximately 90 percent of USAID programs were significantly curtailed, with a total of $54 billion in support withdrawn.
This led to increased scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding the administration's stance on international aid.
In related developments, László András, a member of the European Parliament from Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party and previously affiliated with the Megafon organization, has been appointed as a government commissioner to oversee the allocation of USAID resources in Hungary.
This appointment comes amid allegations from Hungarian officials that the U.S. Democratic administration has favored civil organizations and independent media worldwide, which they have characterized as harboring some of the 'largest corruption scandals' in the Western world.
Historically, USAID has been active since its establishment in 1961 and was instrumental in supporting various international aid programs, including initiatives under the previous Trump administration that benefitted Hungary, known as Hungary Helps.
In 2019, the Hungarian government even utilized support from USAID for its initiatives.
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