A coalition of state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of 23 US states, challenging its decision to cut $11 billion in federal funds allocated for various public health projects across the United States. The lawsuit argues that these cuts are illegal and pose a significant threat to public health.
The states are asking the court to immediately halt the administration’s plan to cut funds that were allocated by Congress during the pandemic. These funds have been essential for efforts such as vaccine testing and distribution, as well as programs aimed at mental health and substance abuse.
Over 20 grants for COVID-related research funded by the National Institutes of Health have already been canceled. Local and state health departments are still assessing the full impact of these funding cuts.
One of the attorneys involved in the case said, “These funding cuts will reverse our progress in addressing the opioid crisis, throw our mental health systems into chaos, and leave hospitals in a desperate situation.” The Department of Health staff members have begun receiving layoff notices, with an estimated 10,000 employees expected to be let go.
Federal health officials announced the decision to reduce funding a week ago. Spokespeople for the US Department of Health stated that the agency will no longer allocate billions of taxpayer dollars to respond to a pandemic that occurred years ago.
