Trump Science Cuts: California Lawsuit
- California, along with 15 other states, has filed a lawsuit against the National Science Foundation (NSF), contesting the agency's decision to terminate millions in research grants and impose...
- Filed in New York's Southern District federal court, the lawsuit specifically challenges the NSF's termination of grants aimed at promoting diversity in higher education and the workforce, according...
- According to Bonta's office, federal support between 1995 and 2017 helped double the number of women in science and engineering professions or with related degrees.
California, along with 15 other states, has launched a lawsuit against the National Science Foundation (NSF) over funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration. This legal battle, challenging research grant terminations, directly impacts advancements in crucial sectors like health and the economy. Primarykeyword: NSF funding is now under scrutiny due to it’s impact on projects promoting diversity and overall scientific innovation. Secondarykeyword: California is leading the charge, facing potential losses in its university systems which are dependent on these funds. This bold legal maneuver aims at preserving billions of dollars in research across various fields, threatening America’s leadership.Attorney General Rob Bonta highlights the potential dismantling of critical programs, emphasizing the broader ramifications. News Directory 3 provides the most up-to-date information. Will this lawsuit overturn the administration’s controversial actions? Discover what’s next …
States Sue Over National Science Foundation Funding Cuts
Updated May 29, 2025
California, along with 15 other states, has filed a lawsuit against the National Science Foundation (NSF), contesting the agency’s decision to terminate millions in research grants and impose new fees. The states argue these actions hinder critical advancements in health, the economy, and general knowledge. The Trump administration has defended the moves as necessary to align the NSF with presidential priorities.
Filed in New York’s Southern District federal court, the lawsuit specifically challenges the NSF’s termination of grants aimed at promoting diversity in higher education and the workforce, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The states contend that the NSF’s actions are arbitrary, capricious, and violate federal law regarding the management of federal funding.
According to Bonta’s office, federal support between 1995 and 2017 helped double the number of women in science and engineering professions or with related degrees. During the same period, minority depiction in these fields rose from approximately 15% to 35%.
The lawsuit also seeks to overturn the administration’s 15% cap on indirect research costs, which universities claim are essential for maintaining lab space and properly handling sensitive materials. The National Science Foundation, like other federal agencies, has faced funding cuts, layoffs, and reorganizations.
Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, previously criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in federally funded research, deeming them “close-minded.” He also advocated for reducing “red tape” in scientific research, citing a “crisis of confidence in scientists” due to perceived political biases.
Bonta argues that these federal actions come at a significant cost. “President Trump wants to make america’s universities second tier with his backwards efforts to slash research funding,” Bonta said. He added that the cuts threaten America’s position as a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and math.
California faces billions of dollars in potential losses across its state university, University of California, and community college systems. Bonta’s office noted that many innovations, including the internet, GPS, and MRI technology, originated from NSF-funded research. without this funding,many California institutions might potentially be forced to reduce or eliminate groundbreaking programs.
One terminated NSF grant included a $3 million project studying racial bias in the legal system. UC Berkeley also had grants canceled for projects on electoral systems and environmental science education. The NSF reportedly instructed staff to screen proposals for alignment with the administration’s priorities.
The lawsuit emphasizes the broad benefits of federal funding, from developing AI for weather prediction to creating enduring solutions for environmental and economic challenges. Hawaii, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, new Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Washington are also party to the litigation.
Similar funding cuts are occurring at the National Institutes of Health, and California is involved in a separate lawsuit regarding those cuts. Tara Kerin, a project scientist at UCLA’s David geffen School of Medicine, expressed concern about the future of science and research, noting that her NIH funding for HIV prevention work was cut this spring.
what’s next
The lawsuit is expected to proceed through the federal court system, with potential implications for research funding and scientific innovation nationwide. The states involved hope to restore funding and prevent further cuts that could impact their universities and research institutions.