Democratic-Led States Sue to Stop Trump from Withholding $600M in Health Grants

Lawsuit argues cuts are retaliation for states' opposition to Trump's immigration policies

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Four Democratic-led states - California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota - have filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration from cutting off hundreds of millions in public health grants. The states argue the cuts, which target programs focused on LGBTQ+ people and communities of color, are retaliation for their opposition to Trump's immigration policies.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing political tensions between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration, with the states accusing the president of using federal funding to force compliance with his agenda. The cuts would significantly impact public health programs, including efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The details

The Department of Health and Human Services informed Congress on Monday that it plans to withhold about $600 million in grant funding allocated to the four states. The states' attorneys general argue the cuts violate the Constitution by imposing retroactive conditions on the funding. Some grants could be terminated as soon as Thursday, while others are set to be cut in the coming weeks. Health officials have said the grants are 'inconsistent with agency priorities' as the Trump administration has shifted away from supporting programs for specific populations.

  • The Department of Health and Human Services informed Congress on Monday (February 10, 2026) of the planned funding cuts.
  • Some grants could be terminated as soon as Thursday (February 13, 2026), with others set to be cut in the coming weeks.

The players

California

One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the funding cuts.

Colorado

One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the funding cuts.

Illinois

One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the funding cuts.

Minnesota

One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the funding cuts.

Donald Trump

The former president whose administration is planning to withhold the $600 million in public health grants from the four states.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump is resorting to a familiar playbook. He is using federal funding to compel states and jurisdictions to follow his agenda.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (beaumontenterprise.com)

“Those efforts have all previously failed, and we expect that to happen once again.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (beaumontenterprise.com)

“The funding cuts are 'a slap in the face' to public health leaders who have stepped up as the Trump administration 'takes a sledgehammer to public health infrastructure.'”

— JB Pritzker, Illinois Governor (beaumontenterprise.com)

What’s next

A federal court in Illinois is expected to rule on the states' request to block the funding cuts from taking effect.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing political battles between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration, with the states accusing the president of using federal funding to force compliance with his agenda. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of public health funding and the ability of states to challenge the federal government's decisions.