The Trump administration is set to complete payments totaling over $670 million to foreign aid organizations for completed work on Friday. However, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are still determined to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development. Companies and nonprofits working with USAID have taken legal action to demand the funds owed to them, accusing the administration of disobeying court orders to release the money. The Justice Department expects to finalize payments owed to organizations not involved in the lawsuit by April 29, bringing the total owed to all organizations close to $2 billion.
A federal judge recently ruled that the Trump administration’s and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to close USAID likely violate the Constitution. Judge Theodore D. Chuang issued a preliminary injunction to halt their actions while he reviews the case further. The administration has criticized the international aid program for alleged fraud, inefficiency, and failure to align with U.S. interests.
In another development, New York City officials are prepared to defy a deadline set by the Trump administration to end congestion relief tolls in Lower Manhattan. The tolls, implemented in January, vary based on factors such as vehicle type, time of day, and payment method, with certain drivers and vehicles eligible for discounts or exemptions. The program aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution while generating revenue for public transportation, and the city is challenging attempts to terminate it through legal channels.
Tariffs, primarily imposed on imports, serve to protect domestic industries by raising the cost of foreign goods and making local products more competitive. They can also generate revenue to support local industries or public programs and may be leveraged as negotiation tools in international trade. However, the burden of tariffs is ultimately borne by U.S. consumers and businesses, according to scholars Diego MarroquÃn Bitar and Valeria Moy.
(Source: USA TODAY)
