22 States Challenge NIH Funding Cuts

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to reduce indirect funding for medical research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), following lawsuits from 22 states. The proposed cuts, which cap indirect funding at 15%, threaten to disrupt research infrastructure by limiting funds for necessary expenses such as staffing and equipment maintenance. This has raised concerns across major research institutions in states like Maryland, Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina, who rely heavily on NIH grants. Critics argue that these cuts could hinder the U.S.'s leadership in medical research and lead to significant job losses and economic impacts. The lawsuit contends that the cuts violate existing federal agreements on research funding and could severely impact ongoing scientific projects. The temporary injunction is a relief for many institutions, but the future of NIH funding remains uncertain as the legal battle continues.