Supreme Court rules against Trump administration's NIH grant cancellations

In the United States, on August 20, 2025, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow the Trump administration to proceed with the cancellation of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants that are related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Court's decision followed a lower court ruling that had previously deemed the termination of these grants unlawful, citing a lack of reasoned decision-making by the NIH. The Trump administration argued that the funding for these grants could not be justified and contradicted its policy objectives, which align with its emphasis on reducing federal support for DEI programs. The legal challenge originally came from a coalition of states and public health organizations who argued that the cuts would have a damaging impact on vital research, including studies related to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. They contended that the sudden termination of funds jeopardized numerous ongoing projects, threatening public health and safety. The initial lower court decision pointed out that NIH engaged in unlawful practices by failing to adhere to federal procedural requirements in deciding to cancel these grants, emphasizing that the agency needed to provide a detailed rationale for its actions in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Chief Justice John Roberts and three other Justices dissented from the majority opinion, asserting that the district court did have jurisdiction to intervene in the grant terminations. The dissent highlighted the potential consequences for public health, implying a potential return to the lower court for a more thorough examination of the Trump administration's actions regarding NIH funding. This continuation of litigation indicates that while the Supreme Court granted temporary favor to the administration, the matter may not be resolved fully as grantees are permitted to seek the funds through a different judicial venue. As the NIH has a budget nearing $48 billion, the faculty and researchers at universities who depend on this funding for critical research commented on the significant harm this ruling could inflict. The NIH's withdrawal of support for research that addresses pressing health issues sparked widespread criticism from health advocates and researchers, who argue that the effects of these cuts are far-reaching and detrimental to scientific progress. Overall, this ruling marks a significant chapter in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration's policies and public health funding initiatives, raising ongoing concerns about the future of research in the U.S. and the direction of federal support for diversity in scientific inquiries.