NIH Approves New Funding for Transgender Mouse Study After Prior Cuts

Federal grant awarded to UC San Diego research despite earlier halt and disputes over animal experimentation policies.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:54am

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The National Institutes of Health has approved new funding for a University of California San Diego research project involving hormone-related experiments on mice, months after similar studies were halted by the Department of Government Efficiency. The renewed funding follows a federal court decision ordering the NIH to restore support for numerous research projects that had previously been terminated.

Why it matters

The issue has drawn responses from lawmakers, with some criticizing the use of federal funds for such research. The renewed funding raises questions about consistency in federal policy regarding animal studies, especially those involving transgender or hormone-related topics.

The details

Federal records show the project, which examines androgen effects on reproductive systems, received $584,117 for fiscal year 2026, following $646,301 allocated in 2025. The research involves laboratory mice that undergo surgical and hormonal interventions. The renewed funding follows a federal court decision ordering the NIH to restore support for numerous research projects that had previously been terminated.

  • The prior funding period for the UC San Diego study ended in late November 2025.
  • The new funding was approved in April 2026.

The players

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research.

University of California San Diego (UC San Diego)

A public research university located in San Diego, California, that received the federal grant for the transgender mouse study.

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

A federal agency that previously halted similar studies involving hormone-related experiments on mice.

Anthony Fauci

Former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, whose tenure is linked to earlier funding for the research.

Rep. Paul Gosar

A U.S. Representative who has criticized the funding decision and sponsored legislation aimed at prohibiting federally funded animal research of this type.

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What they’re saying

“Tax dollars shouldn't be funding the Biden Administration's sickening transgender animal tests.”

— Rep. Paul Gosar, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The Department of Health and Human Services has not responded to inquiries regarding its current position on funding research related to hormone treatments or animal testing.

The takeaway

The renewed funding for the transgender mouse study at UC San Diego raises concerns about the consistency of federal policies regarding animal research, especially on sensitive topics like gender identity. The issue has sparked criticism from lawmakers and calls for greater transparency around the use of taxpayer dollars for such experiments.