US President Donald Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court Monday to block a judge’s order that would force the government to spend $4 billion on foreign aid programs the president opposes.

The emergency appeal escalates a constitutional dispute over whether presidents can effectively cancel congressional spending after signing it into law. The conflict centers on Trump’s August 28 proposal to rescind billions in foreign assistance appropriations under the Impoundment Control Act, which gives Congress 45 days to consider such requests. The administration argues it should be allowed to withhold the funds during this review period, effectively canceling the aid because fewer than 45 days remain until the September 30 expiration date.

Judge Amir Ali of the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled the administration must spend the money before it expires September 30, stating, “There is not a plausible interpretation of the statutes that would justify the billions of dollars they plan to withhold.”

In its appeal to the Supreme Court, the Trump administration argued the injunction “precipitates an unnecessary emergency” and forces the Executive Branch to undermine its own foreign policy objectives by obligating funds the president considers “contrary to American interests.”

The case ultimately stems from Trump’s January executive order pausing foreign aid programs for review. Organizations that compete for foreign aid funding sued, claiming the administration was unlawfully withholding congressionally appropriated money.

This is the third time since February that the Trump administration has sought the Supreme Court’s involvement in its efforts to freeze foreign funding, underscoring the escalating constitutional clash over congressional spending power.