Attorney General Anne Lopez, alongside 21 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The legal action aims to prevent these entities from cutting funds for medical and public health research at universities and research institutions nationwide.
The NIH announced on February 7 that it would reduce indirect cost rates to a uniform 15%, effective February 10. This decision was made without giving institutions time to adjust their budgets. Such cuts could halt clinical trials, disrupt research programs, lead to layoffs, and result in laboratory closures.
The coalition argues that the Trump Administration is unlawfully attempting to reduce "indirect cost" reimbursements essential for biomedical research expenses such as lab facilities, faculty support, infrastructure, and utilities. These reimbursements are determined based on each institution's specific needs through a regulated process with the federal government.
Attorney General Lopez expressed concern over these actions by stating: “President Trump’s total lack of compassion for all Americans knows no bounds...he is making massive cuts to lifesaving medical research." She highlighted the impact on Hawai‘i's University system which receives significant funding from NIH awards.
Furthermore, the coalition contends that this reduction in indirect costs breaches the Administrative Procedure Act. They cite a Congressional directive from Trump's first term aimed at preventing similar proposals to cut research reimbursements indiscriminately.
The NIH plays a critical role as a primary source of federal funding for U.S. medical research. It has contributed significantly to scientific advancements including cancer treatments, DNA sequencing discoveries, MRI development, and has supported numerous Nobel Prize-winning scientists.
Attorneys general from states including Arizona, California, Connecticut among others have joined Attorney General Lopez in filing this lawsuit in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts today.