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

Cuts target HIV programs and other public health initiatives in California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Several Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration from cutting off hundreds of millions in public health grants. The Department of Health and Human Services plans to withhold about $600 million in funding allocated to California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota, which the states argue is retaliation for their opposition to Trump's immigration policies. The lawsuit claims the cuts violate the Constitution by imposing retroactive conditions on the funding.

Why it matters

The planned funding cuts would significantly impact critical public health programs, including those focused on preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, especially in communities of color and LGBTQ+ populations. The move is seen as the latest attempt by the Trump administration to undermine public health infrastructure and target Democratic-led states.

The details

The administration plans to terminate some grants as soon as this Thursday, with others to be cut in the coming weeks. Several of the largest cuts are aimed at programs in Chicago and Los Angeles that provide HIV and STI prevention services for adolescents, ethnic minorities, and gay men. The administration is also targeting a $7.2 million grant for the American Medical Association over its support for gender-affirming care for minors.

  • The Department of Health and Human Services notified Congress of the planned funding cuts on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Some grants could be terminated as soon as Thursday, February 13, 2026, with others 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, which would have the largest impact on public health in the state.

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. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Illinois.

Minnesota

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

Rob Bonta

California Attorney General, who said the funding cuts will "irreparably harm" public health in the state.

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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

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

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

“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

What’s next

A federal judge in Illinois will decide whether to block the funding cuts from taking effect as the lawsuit proceeds.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's move to withhold hundreds of millions in public health grants from Democratic-led states is the latest effort to undermine critical programs, especially those serving vulnerable populations. The legal challenge aims to protect essential services and prevent further damage to the nation's public health infrastructure.