LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – The U.S. Federal Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court ruling that permanently prevented the Trump administration from slashing billions of dollars in medical research funding.
The decision was announced on Tuesday by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who said she was “relieved” by the ruling.
On Feb. 10, 2025, AG Nessel and 21 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the administration over cuts to health-based university research funding.
Hours later, a U.S. District Court judge issued a restraining order against the Trump administration and National Institute of Health, barring them from cutting research funding. The temporary restraining order was later elevated to a permanent one.
On Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2026, an appeals court upheld the restraining order.
AG Nessel says the ruling protects funds for biomedical research for lifesaving care.
BACKGROUND: AG Nessel reacts to temporary restraining order against Trump’s medical research funding cuts
“The Trump administration repeatedly has shown that they will illegally slash funding at the expense of Michiganders, even when that funding supports lifesaving research,” Nessel said in a press release. ”I am relieved that courts have time and again stepped in to restore these funds and uphold the rule of law. I will continue to protect Michigan families, universities, and research institutions from these unlawful and harmful federal actions.”
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