Legal Challenges Mount Against Trump’s NIH Funding Cuts

The Trump administration announced a cap on NIH indirect funding at 15% of grant values, down from the current average of 27-28%1.

This change is expected to cut approximately $4 billion annually from research funding1.

22 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit to block the policy, resulting in a temporary restraining order from a federal judge in Massachusetts3.

Universities in conservative states have warned of significant economic and scientific impacts, putting pressure on Republican officials2.

The University of Nebraska system predicts the policy will shrink its research capabilities and force the state to fill the funding gap2.

Some institutions estimate large annual losses, such as UT Southwestern Medical Center projecting over $100 million in annual cuts2.

Critics argue the cuts will disproportionately affect smaller institutions and those in rural areas1.

The policy change has been framed by the administration as targeting elite coastal institutions, but its impact is expected to be felt broadly across the country2.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed, including by the Association of American Universities and the Association of American Medical Colleges67.

A hearing on the temporary restraining orders is scheduled for February 21, 20257.

Sources:

1. https://www.chronicle.com/article/research-universities-are-poised-to-lose-billions-under-trumps-sudden-cut

2. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/12/trump-universities-funding-cuts-016328

3. https://www.bmj.com/content/388/bmj.r303

6. https://endpts.com/trump-healthcare-transition-live-updates-biotech-pharma-news/

7. https://www.lathamreg.com/2025/02/the-nih-funding-cuts-implications-and-status-of-lawsuits/