Trump NIH Grants: Judge Rules Directives Illegal
- A federal judge in Massachusetts has declared that the Trump administration's directives that led to the termination of several National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants were unlawful.The...
- judge William Young stated that the grant cancellations violated federal law, constituting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the plaintiffs.
- Andrew Nixon, communications director for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), defended the decision to end funding for research "that prioritized ideological agendas over scientific rigor."...
A federal judge has ruled the Trump administration’s NIH grant cancellations targeting LGBTQ+ studies and DEI initiatives as illegal,a critically important rebuke of the prior administration’s actions. The judge declared the move violated federal law,specifically citing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,ordering the reinstatement of the terminated grants. This decision, which directly impacts millions in research funding, follows executive orders and focuses on the primary_keyword, with the secondary_keyword of DEI in question. Read this developing story from News Directory 3 for a comprehensive breakdown of the legal arguments and the implications for future research funding. Discover what’s next…
judge Rules NIH Grant Cancellations Targeting LGBTQ+ Studies Illegal
Updated June 17, 2025
A federal judge in Massachusetts has declared that the Trump administration’s directives that led to the termination of several National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants were unlawful.The grants pertained to studies on LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
judge William Young stated that the grant cancellations violated federal law, constituting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the plaintiffs. Two lawsuits were filed against the administration, one by the American Public Health Association and another by 16 states. Estimates suggest that approximately $1.8 billion in research funding was affected.
Young, a Reagan appointee, ordered the NIH to reinstate the grants.
Andrew Nixon, communications director for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), defended the decision to end funding for research “that prioritized ideological agendas over scientific rigor.” He added that HHS remains committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars support evidence-based programs, not those driven by DEI mandates or gender ideology, and is considering an appeal.
Dr. Brittany Charlton,an associate professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and one of the plaintiffs, had all her grants terminated by the NIH. One grant focused on obstetrical outcomes for lesbian, gay, and bisexual women, while another examined the impact of discriminatory laws on LGBTQ+ teen mental health.
Charlton said she felt “truly seen” by the ruling, adding that it affirmed the value of the research and the communities it serves.
The terminations followed executive orders from President Trump, including vows to “defend women from gender ideology extremism” and dismantle DEI initiatives.According to termination letters reviewed by ABC News, the administration stated that the canceled projects did not align with its priorities, deeming research programs based on gender identity as often unscientific and lacking a return on investment.
The letters stated that the premise of the research was incompatible with agency priorities and could not be modified to align with them.
What’s next
The Department of Health and Human Services is exploring all legal options, including filing an appeal and moving to stay the order.