Archive · 29 May 2025
16 States Sue Trump Administration Over NSF Grant Cuts
Imagine a big science fund, like a bank for new ideas.
The old leader, Trump, decided to make some changes.
He cut money, especially for programs that help women, minorities, and people with disabilities in science and engineering.
Sixteen states, mostly run by Democrats, are very unhappy.
They filed a lawsuit to stop the cuts.
They think these cuts will hurt America's science and make it harder for all kinds of people to become scientists.
They're worried about the future of science and the country.
Sixteen states are suing the Trump administration over $1.4 billion in cuts to National Science Foundation (NSF) grants.
The lawsuit challenges cuts to programs supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields.
The states argue the cuts threaten US leadership in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The NSF is ending programs that support participation of women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM.
The lawsuit challenges a new rule limiting funding for indirect research costs.
- Who
- 16 states, led by New York attorney general Letitia James, are suing the Trump administration.
- What
- The lawsuit challenges cuts to NSF grants, particularly those supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a new rule limiting funding for indirect research costs.
- When
- The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday.
- Where
- The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan.
- Why
- The states are challenging major funding cuts and program changes at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and argue the cuts threaten the United States' leadership in STEM.
States
Trump Administration
Funding for Diversity Programs
States
The states believe that ending programs that support participation of women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM fields will weaken our economy and national security.
Trump Administration
The articles do not contain this information.
Funding for Indirect Research Costs
States
The states are challenging a new rule that limits funding for indirect research costs to 15% of total grants.
Trump Administration
The articles do not contain this information.
- Number of States Suing
- 16
- Total Cuts in Grants
- $1.4 billion
- Location of Lawsuit
- Federal court in Manhattan
- Areas Affected
- STEM fields
- Proposed NSF Budget Cut
- 55.8%