Four Democratic-Led States Sue to Stop Trump Administration from Cutting $600M in Health Grants

California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota file lawsuit to block cuts to public health funding programs.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Four Democratic-led states - California, Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota - have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to try to block the planned cuts of around $600 million in public health grants. The states argue the cuts are retaliation for their opposition to Trump's immigration policies and that the cuts violate the Constitution by imposing retroactive conditions on the funding. Some of the grants targeted for cuts focus on LGBTQ+ people and communities of color, which the administration has said are 'inconsistent with agency priorities'.

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 as a political weapon. The cuts would impact a range of public health programs, including efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as disease outbreak tracking and data collection.

The details

The Department of Health and Human Services notified Congress on Monday of its plan to withhold around $600 million in grant funding allocated to the four states. The states' attorneys general argue the cuts are retaliation for their opposition to Trump's immigration policies. The lawsuit seeks to block the cuts from taking effect, with some grants potentially being terminated as soon as Thursday. Health officials have said the grants targeted for cuts, including those focused on LGBTQ+ people and communities of color, are 'inconsistent with agency priorities' as the administration has shifted away from supporting programs for specific populations.

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

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is overseeing the planned cuts to public health grants in Democratic-led states.

California

One of the four Democratic-led states that has filed a lawsuit to try to block the Trump administration from cutting $600 million in public health grants.

Colorado

One of the four Democratic-led states that has filed a lawsuit to try to block the Trump administration from cutting $600 million in public health grants.

Illinois

One of the four Democratic-led states that has filed a lawsuit to try to block the Trump administration from cutting $600 million in public health grants.

Minnesota

One of the four Democratic-led states that has filed a lawsuit to try to block the Trump administration from cutting $600 million in public health grants.

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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 (am1100theflag.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 (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

A federal court in Illinois will decide whether to block the planned 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 as a weapon to punish them for their opposition to his policies. 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.