TLT Explains

D.C. Circuit Court Affirms Trump’s Authority Over USAID Funding

By The Liberty Tribune Staff

Published: 9/12/2025 · Updated: 9/12/2025 · 5 min read

The D.C. Circuit upheld Trump's authority to end USAID funding.

What's happening

D.C. Circuit Court Affirms Trump’s Authority Over USAID Funding — immigration policies in a recent post on X, highlighting the tragic death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and the critical condition of another Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe. The attack, which occurred in the wake of an Islamic terror incident, has reignited debates over the Biden administration's immigration programs, particularly those involving Afghan migrants. Explainer Supreme Court Questions Legality of Trump's Emergency Tariffs Attack Linked to Immigration Policies The attack on Beckstrom and Wolfe has been attributed to a Biden-era program that facilitated the resettlement of Afghan migrants. Trump stated, "We must denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization." He emphasized that the immigration system should prioritize the safety and security of American citizens. Critics argue that the current immigration policies have created vulnerabilities in , particularly with the influx of unvetted migrants from regions with high levels of violence and extremism. The administration's approach has faced scrutiny from various lawmakers and commentators who claim it has led to increased risks for American communities. Demographic Concerns Trump's comments also touched on broader demographic trends in American politics. He noted that immigration shapes the political landscape, stating, "Unless one ignores incontestable demographic voting patterns, one must accept the fact that immigration determines the outcome of every political issue." This assertion reflects concerns among some conservatives about the long-term implications of immigration on electoral politics. The former president's remarks come discussions about the impact of demographic changes on voting behavior. A proposed peace plan from the Trump administration regarding the Russo-Ukrainian War has sparked significant debate, with critics likening it to the appeasement policies of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain before World War II. The plan reportedly includes capping Ukraine's military at 600,000 troops and granting Russia control over eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, which are largely under Russian control already.

What's at stake

Explainer Trump Administration Reassesses Approach to Sanctuary Officials What Trump's Ukraine peace plan would do New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman criticized the proposal, stating, "If you force [the peace plan] upon Ukraine as it is, every one of your names will live in infamy alongside that of Chamberlain." Friedman argues that the plan rewards Russian President Vladimir Putin for his invasion and could lead to further aggression in Europe. The announced on Sunday that discussions with Ukrainian officials had resulted in an "updated and refined peace framework," although specific details were not disclosed. Proponents of the plan argue that it reflects the current realities of the war and could lead to a sustainable resolution. Why critics compare it to appeasement Critics maintain that any concessions to Russia could embolden its ambitions in the region. would be sending a message to its allies that it would not support them against Russian aggression if it accepted a deal that locks in territorial gains for Moscow. They argue that granting Russia control over parts of Donetsk and Luhansk echoes historical examples where territorial concessions failed to prevent future conflicts and instead signaled weakness. Supporters say it reflects battlefield realities Supporters contend that the terms of the plan are reasonable, suggesting that they could help de-escalate the conflict and spare further casualties. Pennsylvania risks losing $75 million in federal road funding unless it complies with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing requirements for non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits (CLP) and commercial driver’s licenses (CDL).

This warning was issued in a letter from the DOT to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll and Governor Josh Shapiro. Circuit Court Affirms Trump’s Authority Over USAID Funding The potential funding loss follows the arrest of Akhror Bozorov, an from Uzbekistan, who was wanted for ties to a terrorist organization. Bozorov was issued a non-domiciled CDL in Pennsylvania, raising concerns about the state's compliance with federal regulations. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), PennDOT has issued non-domiciled CDLs that extend beyond the expiration of the drivers' lawful presence in the U.S. The letter states, "This letter constitutes FMCSA’s preliminary determination that Pennsylvania has failed to meet the requirement for substantial compliance with the standards for issuing non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs." The FMCSA's review, which began in September, revealed that Pennsylvania issued 12,436 non-domiciled CLPs or CDLs that are currently unexpired. The review sampled 150 records and found several discrepancies, including instances where licenses were issued without proper documentation of lawful presence. What to watch next is whether new filings, agency actions, votes, or court decisions change the timeline—and how officials respond in the weeks ahead.

Why it matters

The coverage highlights: Trump Criticizes Immigration Policies After National Guard Attack. The coverage highlights: Debate Erupts Over Trump's Proposed Ukraine Peace Plan. The coverage highlights: Duffy Threatens To Pull $75M In Road Funds For Pennsylvania. The coverage highlights: Congressional Democrats Urge Military to Disobey Commander-in-Chief. The coverage highlights: GOP Senators Call for Suspension of D.C. Judge Amid Impeachment Efforts. The coverage highlights: Report: Biden Administration Concealed Information on Trump's Would-Be Assassin.

Key facts & context

2025-12-05: Trump Criticizes Immigration Policies After National Guard Attack. 2025-11-25: Debate Erupts Over Trump's Proposed Ukraine Peace Plan. 2025-11-20: Duffy Threatens To Pull $75M In Road Funds For Pennsylvania. 2025-11-20: Congressional Democrats Urge Military to Disobey Commander-in-Chief. 2025-11-18: GOP Senators Call for Suspension of D.C. Judge Amid Impeachment Efforts. 2025-11-17: Report: Biden Administration Concealed Information on Trump's Would-Be Assassin. 2025-10-14: Blue States Lack Evidence in Birthright Citizenship Lawsuit Against Trump Administration. 2025-09-15: Trump Admin Appeals Order Blocking Removal Of Lisa Cook. 2025-09-04: Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Funding Freeze on Harvard University. 2025-08-20: Five Virginia School Districts Face Federal Funding Cuts Over Transgender Policies.

Timeline & key developments

Primary sources

Www.courtlistener — courtlistener.com