A fresh battle over executive authority has reached the US Supreme Court, with President Donald Trump’s administration seeking approval to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid despite congressional approval.
The Justice Department asked the justices to suspend a lower court ruling that ordered the immediate release of the funds, which were earmarked for foreign aid programs, UN peacekeeping, and democracy initiatives abroad.
Judge Amir Ali ruled that the administration’s refusal to spend the funds violated appropriations law, which grants spending power to Congress. “The executive branch cannot simply choose to withhold the money,” he wrote.
The administration has argued that it retains authority to block the funds through a process known as “pocket rescission.” This maneuver allows the president to delay obligations long enough for funds to expire, effectively overriding Congress.
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White House officials contend the $4 billion conflicts with US foreign policy priorities, though they agreed to spend $6.5 billion of the original aid budget. Budget director Russell Vought defended the approach as consistent with executive authority.
Opponents disagree. Lauren Bateman, representing aid groups, said the White House is seeking to “unlawfully accumulate power” at Congress’s expense.
The case now sits before a Supreme Court with a 6-3 conservative majority that has often backed Trump’s policies. A ruling in favor of the administration could significantly broaden presidential powers in fiscal management, challenging Congress’s constitutional control of the purse.
The outcome will decide not only the fate of billions in foreign aid but also the boundaries of executive power in America’s constitutional system.