States Sue Trump Over NIH Funding Policy

A coalition of 22 state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging a new NIH policy that limits indirect cost reimbursements for research institutions to 15%, effectively halving the previous rate. Led by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, the lawsuit argues that the policy change violates the Administrative Procedure Act and congressional intent, threatening vital medical research infrastructure and capabilities nationwide. Researchers and state officials warn that the cuts could result in layoffs, suspension of clinical trials, and jeopardize ongoing projects crucial for advancements in critical health areas like cancer and diabetes. The coalition seeks a court order to block the policy, emphasizing the economic and public health impacts, particularly in states heavily reliant on NIH funding such as Massachusetts and Arizona. The NIH defends the policy as a measure to ensure more funds go directly to scientific research, projecting federal savings of over $4 billion annually. Legal actions are underway to prevent these cuts, with concerns about long-term effects on U.S. scientific leadership.