Twenty States Sue RFK Jr., Trump Over HHS Cuts

A coalition of at least 18 states and the District of Columbia has filed lawsuits against the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over sweeping cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which included the firing of more than 10,000 employees and the consolidation of numerous agencies. The states argue these actions are illegal, bypassing Congressional authority, and have already crippled critical public health programs, including those for infectious disease testing, vaccine approval, mental health services, and support for vulnerable populations. The lawsuits contend that the cuts have left Americans exposed during ongoing health crises, such as a measles outbreak and the aftermath of the pandemic. Critics highlight that the restructuring, promoted under Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign, is undermining federal efforts to protect public health and wellbeing. The states seek immediate court intervention to halt further dismantling and restore essential HHS programs. The lawsuits underscore bipartisan concern that the department no longer has the resources to fulfill its core mission.