Mercer Times

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside 21 other state attorneys general, has initiated legal action against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The lawsuit challenges the administration's decision to reduce funding for medical and public health research at universities and research institutions nationwide.

The coalition is opposing the administration's plan to cut "indirect cost" reimbursements that support essential expenses such as lab operations, faculty salaries, infrastructure, and utilities. These costs are critical for conducting biomedical research in the United States. The lawsuit aims to prevent what it describes as reckless conduct that could jeopardize public health advancements.

Attorney General Platkin stated, "The Trump Administration’s attack on public health research funding is a direct attack on our State," highlighting New Jersey's leadership in medical innovations. He emphasized the state's commitment to fighting diseases like COVID-19 and cancer but noted that current efforts are hindered by political decisions from President Trump and his appointees.

The NIH announced a reduction in indirect cost rates to 15%, effective immediately from February 10. This abrupt change left universities with no time to adjust their budgets, potentially affecting clinical trials, research programs, staffing levels, and laboratory operations.

The coalition argues this move violates the Administrative Procedure Act and contradicts congressional directives meant to protect research funding during Trump's first term. They seek a court order to halt these changes.

NIH funding has historically led to significant scientific breakthroughs such as cancer treatments, DNA sequencing, and MRI development. Research supported by NIH grants often occurs at educational institutions rather than federal facilities. In New Jersey alone, several universities including Rutgers University and Princeton University benefit from this funding.

States joining New Jersey in this legal effort include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.