Democratic-led states sue to block Trump from $11 billion health funding cut [View all]

Source: Reuters

April 1 (Reuters) - A group of Democratic-led states on Tuesday sued Republican U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to challenge its cancellation of $11 billion in federal grants the states were allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorneys general and governors from 23 states and the District of Columbia in a
lawsuit filed in federal court in Rhode Island argue the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lacks the authority to unilaterally claw back funding the states had already built health programs around.

The grant funding was being used by states to track, prevent and control infectious diseases, including measles and bird flu, as well as track mental health services and fund addiction treatment.

"By eliminating billions in critical funding for essential public health initiatives, the administration is effectively telling the American people to fend for themselves," Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/legal/democratic-led-states-sue-us-health-secretary-2025-04-01/