AG Nessel Secures Preliminary Injunction to Block Trump Administration’s Attempt to Unlawfully Cut Critical Research Funding

LANSING – Today, a federal court ordered a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from cutting funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. The preliminary injunction grants specific relief sought by a coalition of 23 attorneys general, co-led by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, challenging the Trump Administration’s unilateral attempt to slash “indirect cost” reimbursements at every research institution throughout the country. Most National Institutes of Health-funding research occurs outside of federal government institutions, such as both public and private universities and colleges. In Michigan, this included over $200 million in potential cuts to funding that supports research projects at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.  

Attorney General Nessel issued the following statement in response: 

“I am incredibly proud of our efforts to protect lifesaving research happening right here in Michigan. Our colleges and universities are at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements, driving progress in new prostate cancer treatments, studying the effects of epilepsy medication on children, and improving PTSD outcomes for our veterans. This preliminary injunction ensures that their essential work can continue without disruption.  

Had these cuts gone through, the consequences would have been devastating, leading to layoffs, suspension of critical research programs, and the loss of medical breakthroughs that could save countless lives. With tens of thousands of NIH-supported trials currently underway in Michigan, we could not and will not allow Donald Trump to unilaterally derail this vital work. This injunction is a critical step in our ongoing fight to protect federal funding, uphold the rule of law, and ensure Michigan remains a leader in life-changing medical discoveries.” 

This lawsuit is being co-led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan. Joining this coalition are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.