Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump was compelled to retract his executive order freezing federal aid after a federal district judge, Loren Ali Khan, issued a ruling contradicting his policy. The decision has made waves in US media, as it directly challenges Trump’s key policy directives since taking office.
Trump’s executive order, which aimed to halt federal funding, was scheduled to take effect on January 28. However, it faced legal challenges from multiple non-profit organizations and sparked international criticism, particularly over its impact on climate change initiatives and humanitarian aid programs.
Federal District Judge Loren Ali Khan issued a temporary stay on January 28, postponing the implementation of Trump’s order until Monday. Despite this legal setback, the US administration insisted that the freeze remains on track, with a case hearing scheduled for February 3.
A White House spokesperson defended the executive order, asserting that the Trump administration acted within its legal authority and was prepared to contest the ruling 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 stated on Wednesday.
Who is Judge Loren Ali Khan?
Judge Loren Ali Khan, a Pakistani-American, serves as a federal district judge in the United States. She immigrated to the country 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, Judge Khan boasts an impressive academic and professional record. She completed her education at the prestigious Georgetown University, where she served as an editor of the university’s law journal. Over the years, she has held multiple judicial roles and was nominated for her current position by the Biden administration, later securing approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Her ruling has drawn widespread attention, with analysts and legal experts debating its far-reaching implications. Many see this as a direct judicial challenge to Trump’s policy agenda.
Trump’s attempt to freeze federal aid targeted key areas, including family planning, transgender rights, environmental protections, public health initiatives, and abortion services. The legal battle over the order’s fate is expected to continue in the coming weeks, as both sides prepare for the next hearing on February 3.
