16 States Sue Trump Over $1.4 Billion in Science Cuts
A group of attorneys general, led by Letitia James of New York, argues that National Science Foundation programs are critical for leading in science and technology.
Sixteen states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday, asking a federal court to block cuts to National Science Foundation programs and funding they say are essential to maintaining the United States’ position as a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The states sought the court order on the grounds that the foundation’s actions violate the law and will cause immediate and irreparable harm to the affected states.
Last month, the foundation began ending projects aimed at increasing the participation of women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM fields, and announced this month that it would cap indirect research costs, such as laboratory space and equipment, at 15% of awarded funds, according to the complaint.
The states stated in court documents that these budget cuts “directly contradict the policies and priorities established by Congress.”
More than 1,700 National Science Foundation research grants were canceled Wednesday, according to a list released by the foundation, totaling $1.4 billion in budget cuts.
“This administration’s attacks on basic science and critical efforts to ensure diversity in STEM fields will weaken our economy and national security,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is leading the legal challenge filed in Manhattan U.S. District Court.
“Prioritizing politics over science will only hinder our country’s progress.”
A spokeswoman for the National Science Foundation declined to comment on the lawsuit.
The federal government has been working to increase the participation of women and minorities in science and technology since at least 1980, under the direction of Congress. According to the lawsuit, that directive was significantly amended to explicitly include people with disabilities.
In court documents, the coalition of states argued that the foundation’s directive to cap indirect costs at 15% for all NSF research projects awarded to universities would be devastating. For example, the State University of New York would lose $18 million, according to the complaint.
Founded in 1950, the NSF funds a significant portion of scientific research in the United States. For fiscal year 2024, the agency’s budget was $9 billion. The Trump administration’s budget proposal, released earlier this month, proposed a 55.8% cut in these funds.
This lawsuit comes amid a series of changes at the foundation aimed at aligning its policies with those of the Trump administration, including an update to its statement of priorities excluding funding for activities promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A few days after the funding cuts began, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan announced his resignation.
In addition to New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Washington State joined the lawsuit.
