US judge blocks Trump administration from cutting NIH grants amid ongoing litigation
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On March 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from implementing drastic cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for research institutions.
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The injunction prevents NIH from capping indirect cost rates at 15% for research grants, which would have significantly reduced funding to universities and research institutions.
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This extends a temporary restraining order that was issued on February 10, shortly after NIH announced the funding cuts on February 7.
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The judge ruled that the plaintiffs (22 states and various research/university associations) are likely to succeed on the merits of their case arguing the cuts are unlawful.
- Key reasons cited by the judge:
- The cuts likely violate existing regulations on how indirect cost rates are set
- The cuts appear to conflict with Congressional appropriations language
- NIH failed to follow proper administrative procedures in implementing the change
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The cuts could cause "irreparable harm" to research programs and public health
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The injunction will remain in effect while the lawsuits proceed, blocking NIH from implementing the funding cuts for now.
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This preserves billions in research funding that universities and institutions rely on to support their research infrastructure and operations.
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The Trump administration can appeal the ruling, but the injunction stays in place unless overturned by a higher court.
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