A coalition of 19 U.S. states filed a sweeping federal lawsuit Monday accusing the Trump administration of unlawfully dismantling the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in what they describe as a deliberate effort to cripple one of the federal government’s most vital agencies.
Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the states filed the 96-page complaint in Rhode Island’s U.S. District Court. The lawsuit names both President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claiming that their actions violate the U.S. Constitution’s separation of powers by undermining the legislative authority of Congress.
More: Trump Explodes Mid-Flight, Rips Wall Street Journal as ‘Rotten’ in Fiery Air Force One Rant
More: Marjorie Taylor Greene Slams GOP Bill That Could Jail Americans for Boycotting Israel
“This administration is not streamlining the federal government; they are sabotaging it and all of us,” James stated. “When you fire the scientists who research infectious diseases, silence the doctors who care for pregnant patients, and shut down the programs that help firefighters and miners breathe or children thrive, you are not making America healthy — you are putting countless lives at risk.”
The lawsuit alleges that since taking office, Trump has overseen a systematic dismantling of HHS, slashing staff and eliminating long-established agencies. A March announcement detailed a sweeping restructuring under the new Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which plans to cut HHS agencies from 28 to 15 and lay off up to 85,000 employees.
The plaintiffs — including California, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Michigan, and Washington state — argue that this reorganization not only undermines federal law but also strips states of critical health support as they grapple with mounting public health crises.
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, also a plaintiff, emphasized the dire implications. “These actions are both plainly illegal and a moral failing. More Americans will suffer from illness, injury, and death without these commonsense programs,” he said. “A robust public health system that serves communities with the most barriers to appropriate medical care is vital.”
More: Tiffany Trump’s Father-in-Law Humiliated in White House Role He Thought Was Powerful
More: Donald Trump Orders Alcatraz Reopened to Cage ‘America’s Most Ruthless Criminals’ in Explosive Move
Among the casualties of the administration’s actions is the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides care for over 137,000 first responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks. According to James, the program has been unable to certify new cancer diagnoses due to a shortage of physicians. Although officials claim services will continue under a new “Administration for a Healthy America,” internal memos suggest key staff have already been placed on leave and face termination in June.
The complaint further charges that remaining HHS employees are being blocked from fulfilling their duties, from policy development to public communication. “Dismantling HHS by terminating the people necessary for it to meet its own mandates… is an unlawful effort to undercut the will of Congress,” the suit reads.
The states seek a court ruling that the administration’s actions violate both the Constitution and the Administrative Procedures Act, along with an injunction halting further implementation of the president’s HHS directives.
You Might Also Like:
- Charles Speeds Ahead with Eco Palace Overhaul Amid Cancer Battle
- Britney Spears Sends Quiet but Heartfelt Message to Justin and Hailey
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Trial: Surprising Celebrity Names Revealed in Courtroom Bombshells
- Prince Harry Slams Tabloid Story linking him to Diddy Case as Harmful to His Family
- “I Will Do Everything in My Power”: 7-Year-Old Dies of Sodium Poisoning After Parents Use Olive Brine as Punishment