The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump’s administration to block $4 billion in foreign aid funds approved by Congress, marking a significant legal victory for executive authority. In a 6-3 decision, the court overturned a ruling by a Biden-appointed federal judge who had halted the cuts and mandated the restoration of funding.

The dispute centered on Trump’s use of a rare procedural tool known as a “pocket rescission,” which involves withholding funds near the end of the fiscal year to limit congressional response time. The administration argued that Congress’s failure to act within 45 days would permit the money to expire, effectively nullifying the spending. A lower court had previously deemed this maneuver unlawful, but the Supreme Court reversed that decision.

The ruling extended an earlier temporary stay issued by Chief Justice John Roberts, halting enforcement of the lower court’s order. The three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Elena Kagan criticizing the majority for bypassing thorough legal review and entering “uncharted territory” without full deliberation.

The case has reignited debates over the separation of powers, as critics argue Congress retains sole authority to allocate funds under the Constitution. The Trump administration’s actions have sparked controversy, with opponents asserting that executive overreach undermines legislative oversight.