Hours Before Trump’s Inauguration, Obama Released $221 Million to Palestinians

In its waning hours, the Obama administration ignored Republican opposition and quietly released $221 million to the Palestinian Authority. The move came despite efforts by Republican members of Congress who had been holding up the money. According to the Associated Press, a State Department official and several congressional aides said the outgoing administration formally notified Congress it would spend the money Friday morning, just before Trump became President. The government released more than $227 million in foreign affairs funding, including $4 million for climate change programs, and $1.25 million for UN organizations. At least two Republican Congressmen had placed holds on the Palestinian funds. The olds are generally respected by the President but are not legally binding. The money comes from the US Agency for International Development and is slated for humanitarian aid in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as well as Palestinian political and security reforms.