Attorney General James Triumphs in Suit Against Trump Admin Over Illegal Medical Research Funding Cuts

New York – A resounding legal victory was scored by New York Attorney General Letitia James as a court ruled against the Trump administration for its illegal cancellation of NIH research grants.

In April, AG James joined forces with 15 other attorneys general in taking on the administration, which terminated millions in grant funding for projects that included DEI initiatives and LGBTQ+ health research. Today, Judge William Young of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled the cuts illegal and void.

‘This decision is a landmark victory in our fight against the administration’s dangerous and illegal attacks on public health,’ James stated. ‘We’ve restored millions in life-saving research funds, putting us back on track against diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.’

The NIH, as the world’s largest public funder of medical research, has been instrumental in groundbreaking discoveries such as vaccines and treatments for HIV/AIDS. Since March, researchers received notices that their grant funding was being withdrawn due to projects’ alignment with ‘DEI,’ ‘transgender issues,’ or similar topics.

‘The terminations represent a clear case of discrimination against racial and LGBTQ+ communities,’ Judge Young declared last week. Today’s ruling officially voided the cancellations, reinstating hundreds of grants.

This includes $4.5 million in research grants for SUNY and projects focusing on health disparities, restoring critical funding that will enable key community health initiatives. The lawsuit coalition includes AGs from 16 states, including California, Arizona, and New Jersey.