Can you believe this? A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has finally had enough of the Trump administration’s USAID funding shenanigans. And, boy, did he let them have it. I mean, who needs a straight answer from the government, right? Apparently, that’s too much to ask for. The judge, Amir H. Ali, was all like, “I don’t know why I can’t get a straight answer from you” – and, honestly, who can blame him? According to a courtroom report, the government lawyer just shrugged it off, saying “I’m not in a position to answer that.” Wow, what a stellar defense strategy.
But, seriously, the Trump administration has been defying the court’s order to restore funding to worldwide aid programs for 12 whole days. I mean, what’s the point of having a court order if you’re just going to ignore it, right? It’s like they’re playing a game of Simon Says, and the judge is all, “Reset funding to USAID,” and the Trump administration is all, “Nah, we’re good.” And, let’s be real, who needs foreign aid, anyway? I mean, it’s not like it’s a crucial aspect of international relations or anything.
And, to make matters worse, this isn’t even the first time the judge has had to tell the Trump administration to get its act together. On Feb. 20, Ali issued a seven-page order that was all like, “Hey, guys, you need to comply with the court order.” But, apparently, that was just a suggestion, because the administration kept on defying the order. I mean, what’s the point of having a judge if you’re just going to ignore him? It’s like they’re playing a game of chess, and the judge is just a pawn to be used and discarded.
But, I digress. On Tuesday, the judge issued some very specific demands for how the government must comply with the court’s order. And, let me tell you, it’s about time. The judge was all, “You need to pay all invoices for work performed prior to the issuance of the order on Feb. 13.” And, just to drive the point home, he added, “Those bills must be paid by midnight tomorrow, Feb. 26.” I mean, talk about a deadline. The judge also made it clear that paying those contractual obligations “in no way narrows the scope of the TRO itself.” So, basically, the Trump administration needs to get its act together and start complying with the court order. And, if they don’t, well… let’s just say the judge is not going to be happy.
And, if you thought that was the end of it, think again. The judge also directed the defendants to continue working with the plaintiffs on a joint status report that outlines “what steps have been taken” to comply with the court’s order. I mean, it’s like the judge is trying to treat the Trump administration like a child learning to walk. “Okay, guys, let’s take it one step at a time. First, we need to comply with the court order. Then, we need to fill out this report. And, finally, we need to… ” You get the idea.
But, wait, there’s more. The judge also directed the government to provide “any directives or guidance” that have been issued since the initial court order “which pertain to the implementation of the TRO.” I mean, it’s like the judge is trying to say, “Hey, guys, I know you’re trying to pull the wool over my eyes, but I’m not having it.” And, just to make sure the Trump administration gets the point, the judge added, “To the extent there remain any disputes as to compliance, the parties shall identify agency officials, employees or other witnesses who can testify under oath about those disputes.” So, basically, the judge is all, “I’m watching you, and I’m not going to let you get away with anything.” And, honestly, it’s about time someone did.
In conclusion, the Trump administration needs to get its act together and start complying with the court order. And, if they don’t, well… let’s just say the judge is not going to be happy. I mean, it’s not like the judge is asking for much. Just pay the invoices, fill out the report, and provide the necessary documentation. It’s not rocket science, guys. But, I guess when you’re the Trump administration, even the simplest tasks can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
By the way, has anyone else noticed that the Trump administration seems to have a problem with following court orders? I mean, it’s not just this one case. There have been plenty of other instances where the administration has defied court orders or tried to work around them. It’s like they think they’re above the law or something. And, newsflash, they’re not.
Anyway, that’s my two cents on the matter. I hope the Trump administration takes the judge’s orders seriously and starts complying with the court order. But, if they don’t, well… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens next. Maybe they’ll try to appeal the decision or something. But, honestly, I think they’re just going to keep on digging themselves into a hole. And, at this point, I’m just here for the popcorn.