US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts paused on Wednesday a federal judge's order requiring President Donald Trump’s administration to release foreign aid funds to contractors and grant recipients. 

Roberts issued an interim order halting Washington-based US District Judge Amir Ali's deadline, which was set for 11:59 pm on Wednesday. The stay gives the court time to review the administration's request to block Ali's ruling.

Roberts also asked the plaintiffs, aid organizations contracting with or receiving grants from the US Agency for International Development and the State Department, to respond by Friday noon.

The administration had filed a court document claiming it made final decisions to terminate most foreign aid contracts and grants, and could not meet the court’s deadline.

Over 90% of US Agency for International Development contracts, amounting to more than $58 billion, are being cut under Trump’s "America First" agenda.

The dispute stems from lawsuits by aid organizations, claiming illegal freezing of foreign aid payments. Despite a court order on February 13, the payments have remained largely frozen.

The Trump administration had defended its right to suspend agreements while reviewing compliance with policy.

The review was completed, and the administration announced it had canceled thousands of awards, with some payments expected to be expedited for past-due invoices, but full payments could take weeks.

Foreign aid freeze sparks legal challenges

On his first day in office last month, Trump ordered a 90-day halt on all foreign aid, along with stop-work orders that have disrupted USAID operations globally. This has jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid, causing chaos in international humanitarian efforts.

USAID, responsible for administering around 60% of US foreign assistance, distributed $43.79 billion in fiscal 2023. With a workforce of 10,000, two-thirds of whom serve overseas, USAID assisted approximately 130 countries.  

Trump's administration announced on Sunday that it would place all but essential staff at USAID on paid administrative leave and eliminate 1,600 positions. Employee unions have filed lawsuits challenging the cuts, but a judge allowed them to proceed last week.

District Judge Amir Ali, appointed by former President Biden, had issued a temporary restraining order to prevent harm to plaintiffs while he reviews their claims. The plaintiffs argued that Trump overstepped his authority by dismantling an independent agency and canceling congressionally authorized spending.

Some plaintiffs, including the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and Journalism Development Network, have threatened to shut down within days without payment.

"The lengths that the government is willing to go to flout a court order, all for the goal of ending life-saving humanitarian assistance, is staggering," said Allison Zieve, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

In a separate case, Ali and a Rhode Island federal judge criticized the Trump administration for failing to comply with their orders, but the administration maintains it is attempting to comply in good faith.