The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday, September 26, 2025, in favor of President Donald Trump’s administration, allowing it to withhold about Ksh518 billion in foreign aid that Congress had already approved. The move strengthens Trump’s “America First” agenda while igniting debate over the balance of power between Congress and the presidency.
The decision temporarily blocks an order from U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, who had directed the government to release the funds. Aid groups had sued, arguing that the administration was violating constitutional principles by refusing to spend money already appropriated by Congress.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 conservative majority sided with the administration. In an unsigned order, the justices questioned whether aid groups had the legal authority to challenge the decision. They also expressed concern that restraining Trump could weaken his ability to manage foreign affairs.
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Elena Kagan, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, said the ruling undermines the constitutional separation of powers. She stressed that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress exclusive authority to make spending decisions through appropriations laws.
“If those laws require obligation of the money, and if Congress has not by rescission or other action relieved the Executive of that duty, then the Executive must comply,” Kagan wrote.
The disputed funds were earmarked for foreign aid, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and democracy-promotion programs. Congress had budgeted about Ksh1.4 trillion in foreign aid for the fiscal year, with Ksh518 billion now withheld.
The administration argued that the targeted money conflicted with U.S. foreign policy goals, aligning with Trump’s push to reduce international assistance and dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The ruling adds to a growing list of Supreme Court victories for Trump since returning to the White House in January. It also sets the stage for further constitutional clashes between the executive and legislative branches as the fiscal year closes on September 30, 2025.
