Minnesota Sues Over CDC's $42 Million Public Health Funding Cuts

Feb 13, 2026, 2:41 AM

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Minnesota has joined a coalition of states in a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its decision to cut over $600 million in public health grants, which includes more than $42 million specifically targeted at Minnesota. Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the lawsuit, asserting that these cuts are unlawful and damaging to the state's public health infrastructure.

The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, argues that the cuts are politically motivated and violate constitutional protections. The funding in question is crucial for various public health initiatives, including disease tracking, data modernization, and emergency preparedness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants have been instrumental in supporting public health efforts across Minnesota. According to the complaint, the cuts would lead to the layoff of hundreds of public health professionals and hamper efforts to maintain and improve disease data systems essential for tracking outbreaks.

Ellison criticized the cuts, stating, "These actions by the Trump administration serve to inflict pain and suffering on the people he is supposed to serve." He emphasized the need for public health funding to safeguard the well-being of Minnesotans, especially in the context of ongoing health challenges.

The lawsuit also highlights the potential impacts of the funding cuts, which could affect critical programs that support the care and health of vulnerable populations, including those dealing with HIV and other communicable diseases. The Public Health Infrastructure Grant, considered the backbone of public health, is among the most significant funds at risk.

In addition to Minnesota, the lawsuit includes California, Colorado, and Illinois, all of which have similarly faced funding cuts from the CDC. Together, the states are challenging the arbitrary nature of the funding decisions made by the administration, which they argue are based on political animus rather than public health needs.

The coalition of states is seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the implementation of these cuts, emphasizing that the abrupt termination of funding not only violates the law but also puts public health at risk across multiple states.

Ellison’s office noted that the funding cuts could lead to significant setbacks in health care access and public health monitoring, particularly as states continue to deal with the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises.

As the lawsuit progresses, the coalition of states aims to hold the federal government accountable for its commitments to public health funding, reinforcing the necessity of these resources for maintaining health services and protecting communities in Minnesota and beyond.

The outcome of this legal action could have far-reaching implications for public health funding nationwide, especially in states governed by Democrats, which have often been at the center of political disputes regarding federal funding allocations.

In conclusion, Minnesota's legal challenge against the CDC's funding cuts underscores the ongoing battle over public health resources amid a politically charged landscape. The states are united in their effort to ensure that necessary funding remains intact to support vital health initiatives and protect their populations.

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