President Trump and his Office of Management and Budget are attempting to cancel nearly $5 billion in Congressionally approved foreign aid and peacekeeping spending through a “pocket rescission,” a rare and potentially illegal move that has not been attempted in almost 50 years. A “pocket rescission” occurs when the administration cancels previously approved funds without enough time for Congress to respond. 

The $5 billion includes: 

• $3.2 billion from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for a program which works to end poverty in the developing world;
• $322 million from USAID and the State Department for programs that promote democracy;
• $521 million in State Department contributions to international organizations like the United Nations; and
• $838 million for peacekeeping activities and aid.

On September 3, a Federal District Court Judge issued an injunction requiring the administration to spend the funds. The Trump administration appealed that decision and on September 9, the Supreme Court temporarily lifted the injunction. 

On September 26, the Supreme Court granted an emergency stay, again preliminarily lifting the lower court’s injunction. Although they did not make a “final determination on the merits,” the Court’s decision will allow the Trump Administration to continue withholding the funds through the end of the fiscal year–effectively greenlighting the pocket rescission.