The United States Supreme Court has denied the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold nearly $2 billion (approximately Ksh257 billion at the current exchange rate) in payments to foreign aid organisations for services already rendered.
The long-awaited ruling, issued on Wednesday, March 5, mandates the release of funds to contractors and grant recipients affiliated with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department, ensuring the continuation of critical humanitarian projects worldwide.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court upheld a prior order from US District Judge Amir Ali, who had instructed the administration to disburse the funds by February 26. However, the Apex Court did not specify when the funds should be released, instead referring the matter back to the District Court for clarification.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s liberal justices in the majority, emphasising the judiciary’s role in upholding contractual obligations and the rule of law.
