The Washington state attorney general has accused the Trump administration of violating a court order by cutting research grant funding related to gender identity and gender-affirming care. Whistleblower records obtained by the state indicate that these grant terminations were in response to presidential executive orders. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was reportedly directly involved in hundreds of grant terminations, contradicting claims made by federal lawyers about compliance with the court order.

The administration’s restructuring of federal agencies, including the NIH, has led to massive layoffs and research cuts to align with political priorities. Documents filed in the lawsuit raise questions about the administration’s transparency and motivations behind the grant terminations. The involvement of DOGE in directing grant cancellations has been highlighted in depositions, where NIH officials testified about receiving directives from DOGE members.

The lawsuit provides insight into the termination of over 600 grants at the NIH, focusing on areas like gender identity, vaccine hesitancy, and climate change. The administration justifies these cuts as necessary to refocus NIH on public health priorities, despite criticisms from officials and experts within the institution. The proposed budget blueprint further emphasizes the administration’s intention to eliminate research on topics deemed as risky or promoting ideologies contrary to its priorities.

Overall, the lawsuit and whistleblower revelations shed light on the administration’s controversial actions within the NIH, sparking concerns about politicization, lack of transparency, and potential violations of court orders. The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of upholding research integrity and scientific independence within federal agencies.