Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Attempt to Withhold USAID Funds

The Supreme Court denied Trump’s effort to withhold $2 billion from USAID contractors on March 5, 2025, upholding payments for completed humanitarian work.

Written By Emily Barron // EEW Magazine News

Trump and his adviser, billionaire businessman Elon Musk, are leading the charge on government efficiency, prioritizing USAID cuts, citing wasteful spending and a liberal global agenda.

In a closely watched decision on March 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined the Trump administration’s emergency request to avoid paying nearly $2 billion to contractors of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The 5-4 ruling ensures that organizations delivering humanitarian aid worldwide will receive funds for work already completed, even as the administration moves to realign federal spending priorities.

The legal battle erupted shortly after President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. Working with tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been advising on efforts to streamline government operations, Trump has targeted USAID—a cornerstone of global humanitarian aid—as part of a push to reduce spending some see as inconsistent with current national goals. This initiative has involved freezing funds and reviewing thousands of programs worth up to $60 billion, which the administration frames as a way to curb waste and refocus resources.

Contractors and nonprofits, however, sued, asserting they were owed payments for services already delivered, igniting this high-stakes dispute.

A protest in support of USAid (Credit: Drew Angerer/AFP/Getty Images)

U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, a Biden appointee, ordered the administration in February to release the funds, setting a deadline the Trump team sought to overturn. After Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary stay last week, the Supreme Court’s unsigned order this week upheld Ali’s authority, though it noted the original deadline had passed. The justices directed Ali to further clarify the government’s obligations, leaving it to the administration to establish a workable compliance plan.

For many EEW Magazine readers, this ruling touches on themes of integrity and responsibility that echo biblical values. Proverbs 3:27 urges, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Contractors who’ve provided food, medical care, and shelter to vulnerable populations had fulfilled their commitments, yet faced uncertainty when funds were withheld. The Court’s decision ensures they’re compensated, a move some see as a victory for fairness—though not all agree on the broader context.

Indeed, opinions among our diverse readership vary. Some support the administration’s push to cut programs deemed inefficient, viewing it as a necessary step to align taxpayer dollars with the president’s agenda. Others worry about the impact on global communities, pointing to USAID’s long history of aiding the world’s poorest.

The dissent from Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh reflected this tension, with Alito arguing that a single judge shouldn’t force the government to pay billions unchecked. The majority, however, prioritized honoring existing obligations.

The ruling arrives as USAID undergoes significant changes. This week, the administration finalized its spending review, targeting thousands of programs for elimination. Last Thursday, staff in Washington, D.C., began transitioning out of affected roles as supporters rallied outside, highlighting the real-world stakes of these shifts.

While the $2 billion will now reach contractors, the agency’s future—and its capacity to serve millions—remains under review in ongoing legal battles.

For people of faith, this moment invites reflection. Scripture calls us to steward resources wisely and care for the needy, but perspectives differ on how best to achieve that. The Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t resolve the debate over USAID’s role; it simply ensures that past promises are kept.

As this story unfolds, it sparks discussions and prayers within faith communities around the world.