A federal judge has directed Trump administration officials to comply with a previous court order, temporarily lifting a freeze on almost all foreign aid and restoring funding to programs globally. Judge Amir H. Ali, a Biden appointee, criticized the administration for attempting to justify the funding suspension after his initial February 13th order. He stated that despite his directive, USAID Deputy Secretary Pete Marocco and other officials persisted in blocking the funds.

The judge's decision stems from a lawsuit filed by nonprofit organizations contesting the administration's abrupt halt to foreign assistance through USAID and the State Department, a move that effectively froze $60 billion in annual aid and development programs. Even after the judge's order, USAID staff and contractors report that payments remain unrestored, including hundreds of millions of dollars already owed.

Administration officials argued that they could legally halt payments under numerous contracts without violating the court order, claiming a case-by-case review of all State Department and USAID foreign assistance programs to ensure alignment with the administration's agenda.

However, aid organizations and USAID personnel assert that the funding freeze, coupled with significant staff reductions, has effectively paralyzed U.S. foreign assistance worldwide, leading to widespread layoffs and jeopardizing the financial stability of partner organizations.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, claims to have saved $55 billion through cuts to USAID, the Department of Education, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, many of DOGE's cost-cutting measures have faced legal challenges.