Federal Judge Orders Continued Public Health Funding for Colorado

Feb 13, 2026, 2:41 AM

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A federal judge has intervened to prevent the Trump administration from cutting approximately $600 million in public health grants affecting Colorado and three other states. US District Court Judge Manish Shah issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday, ensuring that funding will continue for at least two weeks while the case unfolds.

The lawsuit was initiated by Colorado, California, Minnesota, and Illinois, all led by Democratic governors. They argued that the proposed cuts would cause "irreparable harm" to essential public health services in their states. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized the importance of these funds, stating that the state could lose about $22 million in ongoing funding, along with an expected $4 million in future allocations.

The grants in question are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are critical for various public health initiatives, including disease surveillance, testing capacity, and workforce development. Jill Hunsaker Ryan, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, expressed concern over the potential impact of losing these funds on health services that are vital for controlling sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

The Trump administration justified the funding cuts by stating that the grants did not align with the CDC's current priorities, raising questions about the criteria used for such decisions. The affected states' attorneys general contended that the cuts were politically motivated, aiming to penalize states that have not aligned with the administration's policies. Weiser characterized the funding cuts as a "lawless" action intended to target states perceived as adversaries by the Trump administration.

During the court proceedings, arguments centered around whether the administration followed due process in deciding to cut the funding. Judge Shah noted that the states had a strong likelihood of success in proving that the federal government violated the law through its funding cut plans. As a result, the temporary restraining order will remain in effect for 14 days, allowing for further deliberation on the matter.

This ruling is part of a broader trend in which Colorado has engaged in numerous legal battles against the Trump administration's policies. Since President Trump's inauguration, the state has joined 38 lawsuits challenging various executive orders and actions. These legal actions reflect ongoing tensions between the state and the federal government, particularly regarding issues such as immigration and healthcare policy.

Weiser's office has indicated that the temporary restraining order is a crucial step in safeguarding public health funding and maintaining essential services for Colorado residents. The state will continue to assess the potential impact of the funding cuts during this period and seek ways to mitigate harm to public health initiatives if the cuts are ultimately upheld.

As the legal battle continues, the court's decision has provided a temporary reprieve for public health programs that rely heavily on federal funding. The outcome of this case may set a significant precedent for how federal funding is allocated to states in the future, particularly in politically charged contexts.

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