A federal judge Wednesday ordered the government to temporarily cease efforts to terminate foreign aid contracts and grants in place prior to President Trump’s inauguration amid a fight over the future of foreign aid playing out in Washington.

The order also temporarily blocks the Trump administration from issuing or enforcing terminations, suspensions or stop-work orders in connection with any federal foreign aid awards that were in existence before Trump returned to the White House.

However, the order does not bar Trump from otherwise enforcing his executive order freezing foreign assistance for 90 days pending review — narrower relief than several groups that receive funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) requested after filing suit against the administration.

“The Court does not find it appropriate or necessary to enjoin the President or the Executive Order itself,” wrote U.S. District Judge Amir Ali in a 15-page order.

The Trump administration disclosed in court documents Wednesday evening that it had canceled more than 200 contracts issued by USAID since Tuesday morning. Those........

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