Tue Feb 25 20:30:07 UTC 2025: ## Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Release Frozen Foreign Aid Funds

**Washington D.C.** – A federal judge has issued a third order compelling the Trump administration to release frozen foreign aid funds to contractors and grant recipients by the end of Wednesday. Judge Amir Ali cited the administration’s repeated failure to comply with previous rulings.

The plaintiffs, a group of nonprofits and businesses, had argued that the withheld funds, allocated by Congress, were crucial to their continued operation, threatening the closure of their organizations. They allege the administration’s actions violate federal law and the Constitution. The lawsuit also contends that the ongoing dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, may constitute a violation of the separation of powers.

The court order covers payments for work completed before February 13th, the date of an earlier temporary restraining order. The administration’s actions have been met with widespread criticism, including concerns about the impact on millions of vulnerable people globally and the weakening of US soft power.

The order comes amidst the Trump administration’s controversial restructuring of USAID, which includes placing most staff on paid administrative leave and eliminating 1,600 positions. While the administration claims these actions are necessary to address alleged waste and fraud, former USAID officials have strongly denounced the move, highlighting the agency’s vital role in humanitarian aid and crisis response. The administration has pledged to provide impacted individuals with further information regarding their benefits and rights on February 23, 2025. Additionally, the administration is proceeding with plans to recall thousands of USAID staffers from overseas within 30 days, offering a voluntary, agency-funded return program.

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