Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s $11 Billion Public Health Grant Cuts

The administration argued the pandemic-era grants were no longer needed while plaintiff states argued that the cuts were illegal and hurt public health.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the Hubert H. Humphrey building in Washington on April 28, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction halting the Trump administration’s plan to cut more than $11 billion in public health grants, siding with a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia that sued to keep the money flowing.

U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy of Rhode Island, in a 60-page ruling issued on May 16, concluded that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) likely violated federal law when it abruptly terminated grants supporting vaccine access, mental health programs, addiction treatment, and pandemic preparedness. McElroy found the terminations were issued without warning, adequate justification, or legal authority.