New York Attorney General Letitia James, alongside a coalition of 15 attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant cancellations. The lawsuit contests the termination of funding for NIH research projects, deemed vital for medical and scientific progress, focusing on diversity, LGBTQ+ health, and vaccine hesitancy. The action was taken in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Attorney General James argues that the Trump administration's decision jeopardizes vital research both in New York and across the nation.
“Once again, the Trump administration is putting politics before public health and risking lives and livelihoods in the process,” stated Attorney General James. She emphasized the significance of research institutions in developing treatments and cures for illnesses, criticizing the funding cuts as harmful to science and innovation.
The NIH is recognized as the leading public funder of medical research globally, contributing to significant advancements in vaccines, cancer treatments, and life-extending therapies. In 2024, its grant program generated over $94 billion in profit. The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration's funding cuts are guided by ideology rather than scientific merit, affecting research in fields disapproved by the administration, including “DEI,” “transgender issues,” and “vaccine hesitancy.”
Attorney General James asserts that these actions violate federal law, namely the Administrative Procedure Act, as well as congressionally mandated directives for NIH research. The lawsuit seeks to have the courts reinstate the revoked grants and uphold lawful funding procedures.
In conjunction with this case, Attorney General James has engaged in various legal actions to counter the Trump administration's policies, including lawsuits regarding elections control, health funding, education department dismantling, and more. Joining her in this lawsuit are attorneys general from states including Arizona, California, and Massachusetts.