Pakistani-American judge blocks Trump’s order to freeze federal aid

US President Donald Trump had to cancel his executive order to freeze federal aid following a ruling by a Pakistani-American judge. Her verdict made headlines in the US media as it directly contradicted key policy decisions Trump made after taking office.

Trump’s order to freeze federal funding, set to take effect on January 28, faced legal challenges from several non-profit organisations and received international backlash, particularly for halting aid related to climate change and humanitarian causes.

Federal District Judge Loren Ali Khan issued a temporary stay on Trump’s order on January 28, delaying its implementation until Monday.

However, the US administration maintained that the freeze will still go forward. The case hearing is scheduled to resume on February 3.

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A White House spokesperson defended the executive order, stating that the Trump administration acted within legal boundaries and was prepared to fight the matter in court.

"The President’s executive orders on federal funding remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday.

Loren Ali Khan, a Pakistani-American, serves as a federal district judge in the United States. She moved to the US with her father, Dr Mahmood Ali Khan, 50 years ago.

Dr Mahmood, a cardiologist, and his wife both served in the US Army.

At 41 years old, Loren Ali Khan has an impressive academic and professional background. She completed her studies at the prestigious Georgetown University, where she also served as an editor of the university’s law journal.

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She has held multiple judicial roles and was nominated for the federal district judgeship by the Biden administration, later receiving Senate Judiciary Committee approval.

Her ruling made headlines, with analysts and experts discussing its implications, as it directly challenges Trump’s policy approach.

Trump’s federal funding freeze impacted key sectors, including family planning, transgender rights, environmental protection, public health, and abortion services.