Legal Action and Rationale
U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy issued a preliminary injunction against the administration's plan to cut over $11 billion in public health funding, responding to a lawsuit by 23 states and the .
The judge criticized the for its handling of the funding cuts, emphasizing the importance of the funds for public health initiatives, including COVID-19 efforts and mental health programs.
Responses and Implications
States argued the cuts would harm public health infrastructure, particularly affecting underserved communities and leaving health departments unprepared for future crises.
Health departments reported layoffs following the announcement of funding cuts, highlighting the immediate impact on public health services across the country.