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3mo ago

Sixteen States Sue to Block Trump Administration’s NSF Funding Cuts

The lawsuit argues that capping indirect costs at 15% violates statutes designed to support essential university research infrastructure.

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United States National Science Foundation logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
The National Science Foundation headquarters in Washington, D.C. The agency is at the center of a new lawsuit by 16 state attorneys general over cuts to STEM diversity programs and research funding.
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Overview

  • Sixteen state attorneys general filed suit on May 28 in Manhattan federal court to challenge new NSF directives under President Trump.
  • The complaint targets the termination of 1,753 grants worth nearly $1.4 billion, many of which supported Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility programs.
  • It disputes the NSF’s newly imposed 15% cap on indirect research costs covering lab space, equipment use and safety measures.
  • Plaintiffs say the Administration’s actions breach the Administrative Procedure Act and exceed presidential authority over budgetary decisions.
  • The filing seeks a court order to freeze the 15% cost cap, currently paused until June 13, and to block the elimination of diversity grants pending review.