In a narrow 5–4 decision, the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to maintain a freeze on billions in foreign aid approved by Congress. The unsigned ruling lets lower courts enforce disbursement, though it doesn’t force immediate payments.

Chief Justice Roberts joined Justices Barrett, Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson in the majority. Dissenting, Justice Alito warned the decision oversteps judicial authority. Legal experts say the ruling is limited in scope but signals division on Trump-related cases.

At issue is Trump’s January freeze on State Department and USAID aid—an effort to reshape policy spending. Nonprofits sued, saying the move violates congressional spending powers. A Biden-appointed judge ordered some aid released; the Trump team appealed but was denied.

Democrats praised the ruling, calling it a win for congressional authority. The fight over the aid continues in lower courts.