The Trump administration expects to pay off its debt of over $670 million to foreign aid organizations by the end of the day, but the battle to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is far from over. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are still pushing to dismantle the agency, despite the significant payments owed to organizations that have completed work with USAID.
The lawsuit filed by companies and nonprofits that work with USAID accuses the administration of repeatedly ignoring court orders to release foreign aid funds. The Justice Department has acknowledged that the total amount owed to all organizations is close to $2 billion, with payments expected to be completed by April 29 for those not involved in the litigation.
Meanwhile, a federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration’s efforts to shut down USAID likely violate the Constitution. Judge Theodore D. Chuang issued a preliminary injunction, blocking Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency from taking further action while the court considers a final ruling.
The administration has made several accusations against USAID, including fraud, inefficiency, and failure to align spending with U.S. interests. However, the agency’s supporters argue that it plays a critical role in promoting global development and stability.
As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will ultimately succeed in its efforts to dismantle USAID. One thing is certain, however: the fate of the agency and the millions of people it serves around the world hang in the balance.
