A federal judge has decided to temporarily prevent the Trump administration from reducing billions of dollars in federal funding that supports COVID-19 initiatives and various public health projects across the nation. This decision, made by U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy in Rhode Island, comes in response to a request from 23 states and the District of Columbia. McElroy, who was appointed by Trump but initially nominated by former President Obama in 2019, indicated that the states have a compelling case for success and plans to issue a written order soon.
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed support for the ruling, noting the ongoing legal battle to secure essential medical services for Americans. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Kane voiced opposition to the temporary restraining order during court proceedings but cited limitations in her ability to thoroughly assess the case due to time constraints and extensive documentation.
The lawsuit, initiated earlier by the states, aims to halt proposed $11 billion cuts. These funds, allocated by Congress during the pandemic, have been vital for COVID-related initiatives and efforts to address mental health and substance use issues. The lawsuit argues that removing these funds would undermine the nation’s public health infrastructure, heightening vulnerability to future pandemics and compromising critical health services.
In defense, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services argued that the funds are no longer necessary since the pandemic has waned. However, the cuts have already impacted state and local health departments, leading to layoffs, including nearly 200 employees in Minnesota, with North Carolina and California predicting significant financial losses.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, also involved in the lawsuit, highlighted the potential loss of half a billion dollars meant for long-term care for the elderly and child immunizations in his state. He expressed relief that the legal action has ensured the continuation of these crucial funds.
This intervention marks another legal challenge for the Trump administration, which is currently dealing with numerous lawsuits that address a variety of issues, including immigration and federal budgetary cuts. Federal judges have repeatedly issued orders that hinder the advancement of the President’s broader conservative initiatives.