Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday temporarily paused a lower court ruling that would have forced the Trump administration to distribute billions in foreign aid by the end of the fiscal year. The short order grants an administrative stay on a September 3 decision by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, who had ruled that the executive branch must follow congressional appropriations laws unless altered by Congress.

Judge Ali’s ruling ordered the release of roughly $5 billion in foreign aid, including funds for U.N. peacekeeping and democracy promotion. The Trump administration objected, arguing that around $4 billion of that aid conflicts with U.S. foreign policy and should be withheld under the president’s “America First” agenda. The administration has moved to dismantle USAID and attempted to block the funds through a “pocket rescission,” a budgetary maneuver that allows presidents to withhold funds close to the fiscal deadline.

The Justice Department argued that Ali’s ruling threatens the separation of powers by forcing the executive to act against the president’s foreign policy views. Solicitor General John Sauer warned that complying would require rushed diplomatic discussions and notifications to Congress that contradict the president’s position.

Aid groups sued, claiming the president cannot override Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending — known as the “power of the purse.” While the administration maintains it still intends to distribute $6.5 billion, it continues seeking to block the remaining funds through legal and procedural means.

Roberts’ temporary stay freezes the funds while the Supreme Court considers the case. A broader ruling may come soon. If the stay is lifted, the administration would have to act swiftly to distribute the money before it expires on September 30.