New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 22 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block the Trump administration from slashing more than $11 billion in public health funding. The coalition is seeking an immediate court order to stop what they call an unlawful and dangerous rollback of resources that states rely on to fight addiction, improve mental health care, and prepare for public health emergencies.
The lawsuit follows a March 24 announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that it would rescind $11.4 billion in funding for pandemic preparedness, community health, and addiction treatment, as well as $1 billion in behavioral health grants. The move strips nearly $400 million from New York alone — funding that state agencies and local organizations say they have already begun to lose.
Critical Programs at Risk Across New York
James said the cuts could dismantle vital services and cause widespread harm in the middle of a growing mental health and addiction crisis.
“These cuts are not only illegal — they are cruel,” James said. “We are taking immediate legal action to stop this reckless decision and protect the health and safety of millions of Americans.”
New York State has already lost over $300 million earmarked for programs run by the Department of Health, the Office of Mental Health, and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. New York City has lost more than $100 million used for infectious disease detection and community health work.
At least 23 public health employees in New York have already been laid off due to the cuts. Over 200 local organizations have lost funding for work related to food insecurity, maternal health, LGBTQ+ care, and immigrant health. State officials have shut down programs focused on health disparities and halted school vaccination initiatives.
States Say Cuts Violate Federal Law
The coalition argues that the administration’s actions violate the law by rescinding funding that was legally allocated by Congress. Much of the money was awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic to support long-term public health efforts, not just emergency response.
“These programs were never just about COVID,” James said. “They’re about building stronger, more resilient health systems for the future — and that’s exactly what this administration is tearing down.”
The attorneys general say the administration acted without warning or public input and lacked the legal authority to revoke funds already distributed. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order, preliminary and permanent injunctions, and a full restoration of the terminated funds.
Health Officials Warn of Immediate Consequences
New York health leaders joined James in warning of the effects of the funding cuts.
Dr. James McDonald, Commissioner of the State Department of Health, said the loss of funding threatens core public health infrastructure.
“Cutting this funding without warning is unprecedented and unacceptable,” he said. “We are already seeing the consequences, and it’s only going to get worse.”
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said addiction treatment and recovery programs are at risk.
“These programs have saved thousands of lives across the state,” Cunningham said. “We must keep them funded and available.”
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan added that New York’s mental health system depends on the federal dollars.
“We risk losing crisis stabilization, community treatment teams, and suicide prevention programs,” Sullivan said. “This lawsuit is necessary to prevent further harm.”
Broader National Impact Feared
The funding cuts affect programs in every state. In addition to New York, the lawsuit includes attorneys general from states including California, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, and North Carolina. The governors of Pennsylvania and Kentucky also joined the challenge.
The coalition warns that the move will eliminate harm reduction services, overdose prevention efforts, and suicide intervention programs across the country. Hospitals and clinics already facing staffing shortages will lose critical financial support. Programs meant to prevent future outbreaks could collapse.
Part of Broader Legal Push
This lawsuit marks the latest in a series of legal actions James has taken to challenge recent decisions by the Trump administration.
Since March 1, she has filed or joined lawsuits over education funding, citizenship rights, employee terminations, and privacy violations. Courts have already issued multiple injunctions halting Trump administration policies.
“This is about protecting lives, services, and the rule of law,” James said. “We won’t let political decisions destroy the public health systems New Yorkers rely on.”
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