Federal judge halts Trump’s HHS reorganization after Democratic AGs sue

A federal judge appointed by President Joe Biden has intervened to halt the Trump administration’s efforts to reorganize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) after facing legal challenges from 19 Democratic attorneys general. The Trump administration had announced plans to lay off around 20,000 full-time employees at HHS, reduce the number of regional offices, and consolidate several divisions within the agency in an effort to make it more efficient and cost-effective.

The Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit to block these reforms, arguing that the cuts would harm Americans’ access to critical health services. U.S. District Judge Melissa DuBose granted a temporary injunction in favor of the attorneys general, temporarily blocking the Trump administration from enforcing its proposed workforce reduction and restructuring of sub-agencies. HHS has been ordered to file a status report by July 11.

In response to the ruling, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon expressed disagreement with the decision but stated that the agency remains committed to modernizing the health workforce to prioritize public health impact. HHS is reviewing the decision and considering next steps moving forward.

Last month, the Supreme Court limited the use of nationwide injunctions to halt President Trump’s executive actions, but legal challenges to executive orders are still allowed. Judge DuBose has asked both parties to address how the Supreme Court ruling affects the scope of her order by July 11.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was part of the group of attorneys general who sued to stop the HHS reforms, emphasized the importance of preserving essential health programs and services. Since the restructuring began, some employees who were initially let go have been reinstated, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledging that mistakes were made in the process.

The ruling by Judge DuBose ensures that critical health services will remain accessible and prevents the administration from dismantling the nation’s healthcare system. The legal battle over the HHS reforms continues, with both sides preparing for the next steps in the process.