President Donald Trump’s administration has asked the US Supreme Court to intervene in its fight to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid authorised by Congress, escalating a constitutional clash over spending powers.
The Justice Department filed an emergency request on Monday seeking to halt a ruling by US District Judge Amir Ali. The judge ordered the administration to release the funds for foreign aid, United Nations peacekeeping, and democracy-promotion initiatives abroad.
Justice Department lawyers argued the ruling undermines the separation of powers, calling it “self-defeating and senseless” to spend money the president wants rescinded. They said the disputed funds contradict US foreign policy priorities.
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The administration has already agreed to spend $6.5 billion but is attempting to block the remaining $4 billion using an unusual tactic called a “pocket rescission.” The maneuver allows the president to delay spending for 45 days, potentially running out the clock on the fiscal year, after which the funds would expire.
Judge Ali rejected that argument, ruling that only Congress can change appropriations once passed into law. His decision was upheld by the DC Court of Appeals last week.
Aid groups welcomed the ruling, accusing the White House of trying to bypass the Constitution. “The administration is effectively asking the Supreme Court to bless its attempt to unlawfully accumulate power,” said Lauren Bateman, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs.
The Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, has often sided with the Trump administration in recent cases. A ruling in favor of the White House could reshape the balance of power over government spending.
