Senator Eric Schmitt | U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt
Senator Eric Schmitt | U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt
Senator Eric Schmitt commented on recent developments regarding presidential authority over foreign aid in a series of posts dated August 13, 2025. In his tweets, Schmitt discussed the legal and political aftermath of an executive order issued by President Trump and the subsequent court rulings.
Schmitt stated on August 13, 2025: "Right after taking office, President Trump issued EO 14,169 freezing ~$10B in foreign aid. NGOs like Global Health Council freaked out because their gravy train was coming to an end. They sued, arguing the President did not have the authority to stop the flow of funds."
In a follow-up post on the same day, Schmitt described the outcome of a related legal case: "A huge court win today for constitutional sanity. HELD: The President controls our foreign aid disbursements. Multinational NGOs can’t sue for a right to billions of taxpayer dollars—only the Comptroller General can under the Impoundment Control Act. Here’s what happened."
Schmitt also addressed the Supreme Court's involvement in the matter, writing on August 13, 2025: "SCOTUS sort of went along with it, citing the need for Judge Ali to clarify his order."
President Trump's executive order referenced by Schmitt froze approximately $10 billion in foreign aid upon taking office. The move led several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Global Health Council, to challenge the action in court on grounds that such authority rested outside presidential powers.
The recent court decision reaffirmed that only the Comptroller General has standing under the Impoundment Control Act to contest such impoundments of appropriated funds. This act outlines procedures and limitations when executive branch officials seek to delay or cancel congressionally approved spending.
The Supreme Court's response indicated deference to lower courts while requesting further clarification from Judge Ali regarding his ruling.
Senator Eric Schmitt represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate and has previously served as Missouri Attorney General.
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