Trump Admin Slashes Vital Medical Research Funding: NY AG Sues

NEW YORK – The Trump administration is facing a legal challenge from New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 15 other attorneys general over its brazen cancellation of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants. The move, impacting critical medical and scientific advancements, has sparked outrage and accusations of putting politics ahead of public health.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, alleges the administration unlawfully revoked millions of dollars in previously approved research projects in March. These projects included vital studies focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), LGBTQ+ health, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Attorney General James argues the administration’s actions are “abrupt, unjustified, and illegal,” threatening life-saving research across the nation.

“Once again, the Trump administration is putting politics before public health and risking lives and livelihoods in the process,” Attorney General James stated. “Millions of Americans depend on our nation’s research institutions for treatments and cures to the diseases that devastate families every day. The decision to cut these funds is an attack on science, public health, and medical innovation – and I won’t stand for it. We are suing to restore these critical funds because the people of New York, and the entire nation, deserve better.”

The NIH, the world’s largest public funder of medical research, has been instrumental in eradicating diseases through vaccines, reducing cancer risks, and developing life-extending treatments for HIV and AIDS. In 2024 alone, the NIH’s grant program spurred over $94 billion in profit. Now, the Trump administration is attempting to claw back funding from projects deemed not aligned with the president’s ideologies, while simultaneously halting the review and approval of new grant applications. The administration claims the research projects are connected to “DEI,” “transgender issues,” or address “vaccine hesitancy” – topics apparently disfavored by the White House.

The states involved in the lawsuit are collectively awaiting decisions on billions of dollars in research funding requests, including millions already approved by NIH reviewers. NIH has already sent hundreds of letters to researchers notifying them of withdrawn funding, disrupting ongoing studies at leading institutions and jeopardizing years of medical progress. In New York, the NIH has terminated over $4.5 million in research grants for the State University of New York (SUNY).

Attorney General James and the coalition argue the delays and terminations will cause irreparable damage to research efforts nationwide. The lawsuit seeks to restore the revoked funding and compel the NIH to resume the grant approval process, ensuring that vital medical research is not held hostage by political agendas. This isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about the future of healthcare and the lives that depend on it. The case is expected to be a protracted battle, but James vows to fight for the restoration of these critical funds.