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Democratic-led States Sue to Stop Trump from Withholding $600M in Health Grants
Lawsuit alleges 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 tensions between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration, with the states accusing the president of using federal funding to force compliance with his political agenda. The cuts could significantly impact public health programs in these states, especially those serving vulnerable populations.
The details
The Department of Health and Human Services informed Congress on Monday that it plans to withhold about $600 million in grant funding from the four states. The states' attorneys general argue the cuts violate the Constitution by imposing retroactive conditions on the funding. Some of the grants, including those focused on preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, could be terminated as soon as Thursday.
- On February 12, 2026, the four Democratic-led states filed the lawsuit.
- The planned funding cuts could take effect as soon as Thursday, February 13, 2026.
The players
California
One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the planned funding cuts.
Colorado
One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the planned funding cuts.
Illinois
One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the planned funding cuts.
Minnesota
One of the four Democratic-led states suing the Trump administration to block the planned funding cuts.
Donald Trump
The former president whose administration is planning to withhold the $600 million in public health grants from the four Democratic-led states.
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. Those efforts have all previously failed, and we expect that to happen once again.”
— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (kmph.com)
“The funding cuts will 'irreparably harm' public health in the state.”
— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General (kmph.com)
“The 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 (kmph.com)
What’s next
A federal court in Illinois will hear the lawsuit and decide whether to block the planned funding cuts from taking effect.
The takeaway
This 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 outcome of this case could have significant implications for public health programs in these states, especially those serving vulnerable populations.
