California, 21 States Sue Trump Administration Over NIH Funding Cuts

California and 21 other states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block significant cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, which they argue would jeopardize crucial medical research. The NIH's new policy, which caps indirect cost reimbursements at 15%, threatens billions of dollars that universities like the University of California rely on for research into diseases such as cancer and diabetes. University officials warn that the cuts could result in layoffs, disrupted clinical trials, and halted research programs. The lawsuit claims these funding reductions violate federal law that protects negotiated rates for research institutions. The Trump administration contends that the changes are necessary to reduce excessive overhead costs and prioritize direct research funding. As the NIH is the largest funder of research at the University of California, the cuts are expected to have a profound impact on medical advancements and public health.