Medical researchers from various universities and the National Institutes of Health rally at Health and Human Services headquarters to protest federal budget cuts on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP/John McDonnell)
The Trump administration had dismissed those expenses as "overhead" but universities and hospitals argue they’re far more critical. They can include such things as electricity to operate sophisticated machinery, hazardous waste disposal, staff who ensure researchers follow safety rules and janitorial workers, according to The Associated Press.
The states and research groups argue that the cuts are illegal, pointing to bipartisan congressional action during Trump’s first term to prohibit them.
"Yet here we are again," attorneys argued in a court motion, saying the NIH is "in open defiance" of what Congress decreed.
In its own written arguments, the Trump administration said NIH has authority to alter the terms after awarding grants and that Kelley’s courtroom isn’t the proper venue to arbitrate claims of breach of contract.
States and researchers "have failed to show that they would suffer an irreparable injury," according to the administration motion.
SCIENTISTS EXPECT MAJOR ‘MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS’ DESPITE TRUMP’S CAP ON NIH RESEARCH FUNDING
Elon Musk speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, on Thursday, Feb. 20, in Oxon Hill, Md. Musk has praised the Trump administration's NIH funding cuts. (AP/Jose Luis Magana)
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"Can you believe that universities with tens of billions in endowments were siphoning off 60% of research award money for ‘overhead’?" Musk posted on social media. "What a ripoff!"
Fox News’ Alec Schemmel and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nih-funding-cuts-federal-judge-extends-restraining-order-blocking-trump-administrations-action