US Appeals Court Backs Trump-Era Cuts to Foreign Aid

Court Ruling Delivers Win for Trump Administration

In a major legal victory for former President Donald Trump, a U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that the government is not obligated to continue paying billions of dollars in foreign aid previously approved by Congress. The decision overturns a lower court’s order that had required the Trump administration to resume those payments.

Foreign Aid Cuts and Legal Challenge

On his first day back in office in January, Trump ordered a 90-day suspension of all foreign assistance. This move was quickly challenged by several international aid groups, which relied heavily on U.S. government funding. They filed a lawsuit in February, arguing the aid cuts were unconstitutional because the funds had already been authorized by Congress.

In March, a district court initially blocked the funding freeze. However, the latest ruling from the appeals court reverses that decision. Two out of three judges on the panel determined that the aid groups lacked the legal standing to bring the case, allowing the aid reductions to go ahead.

Billions in Health and Humanitarian Funding at Risk

The court’s decision paves the way for significant funding cuts, including:

• Nearly $4 billion in global health programs scheduled through September

• Over $6 billion in HIV/AIDS aid that had been approved through 2028

These cuts are expected to severely impact international health efforts, especially in low-income countries that depend on U.S. support.

USAID Closure and Controversy

Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary organization managing American foreign aid, was largely dismantled. By March, over 80% of its programs were canceled. On July 1, the remainder of USAID’s responsibilities were absorbed by the State Department, officially marking the agency’s closure.

Backlash from Former Presidents and Experts

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama both criticized the shutdown of USAID, expressing concern about the long-term impact of the decision. Humanitarian organizations and global health experts have also warned that these drastic funding cuts could have devastating consequences.

A study published earlier this year in The Lancet medical journal projected that the reduction in aid could contribute to more than 14 million additional deaths by the year 2030.

FAQs

Why did the Trump administration cut foreign aid?

Trump argued that much of the spending was wasteful and unnecessary. His administration aimed to redirect resources to domestic priorities.

What is USAID and why was it closed?

USAID was the main U.S. agency responsible for delivering foreign assistance worldwide. It was shut down under Trump, with its functions absorbed by the State Department.

How much foreign aid was affected?

More than $10 billion in aid was on the chopping block, including funding for health programs and HIV/AIDS support.

What was the court’s reason for allowing the cuts?

The appeals court found that the aid groups that sued the administration did not have legal standing, meaning they could not prove sufficient harm to bring the case to court.

What are the expected consequences of the funding cuts?

Experts warn of massive setbacks in global health and humanitarian aid. Up to 14 million additional deaths could occur by 2030 due to the loss of critical services.

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