Trump's government seeks permission from the Supreme Court to withhold international financial assistance

The Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court to intervene in a dispute over $4 billion in foreign aid, originally intended for UN peacekeeping operations and promoting democracy overseas. The administration intends to spend $6.5 billion of the disputed foreign aid money.

The foreign aid was budgeted by Congress last year, with $11 billion allocated. According to the appropriations laws, $11 billion must be spent or obligated by September 30, the last day of the US government's current fiscal year.

The administration sought to block $4 billion of the total foreign aid through an unusual step called a "pocket rescission" that bypasses Congress. This tactic, as claimed by the White House, was last used in 1977.

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit declined to halt the judge's order in a 2-1 vote, prompting the administration's request to the Supreme Court. Earlier in the foreign aid funding case, the court voted 5-4 to decline to permit the administration withhold payment of about $2 billion to aid organisations for work they had already carried out for the government.

A Washington-based US District Judge, Amir Ali, ruled that the administration cannot simply choose to withhold the money and must comply with appropriations laws unless Congress changes them. The administration, however, argues that the President can withhold funds for 45 days after requesting a rescission, as stated by Russell Vought, Mr Trump's budget director.

The administration's decision is being accused of attempting to "unlawfully accumulate power" by Ms Bateman, a lawyer for a group of plaintiffs. The Justice Department views the withholding of $4 billion overseas aid funding as "contrary to US foreign policy".

Lauren Bateman states that the administration is asking the Supreme Court to "defend the illegal tactic of a 'pocket rescission'". The court that rejected the Foreign Ministry's hearing on Monday to prevent enforcement of Judge Amir Ali's judgment is not explicitly named in the available search results.

It is worth noting that the Supreme Court has sided with the administration in almost every case it has been called upon to review since Mr Trump returned to the presidency in January. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

Trump's government seeks permission from the Supreme Court to withhold international financial assistance