Story perspectives

Trump Administration to Unfreeze $783M in University Grants

1/7/2026

Center

Trump Administration Grants Review

U.S. President Donald Trump administration will review previously frozen university grants without DEI or vaccine criteria.
A December 29 settlement in Massachusetts federal court allows the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to consider grant applications by September 29, 2025, without these criteria.
The agreement, signed by several state attorneys general, follows a lawsuit over $783 million in frozen grants.
Campbell said the settlement ensures prompt NIH review.

Left

Court Blocks Trump's Funding Cuts

A federal appeals court upheld a ruling blocking the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration's plan to cap indirect research cost reimbursements at 15%.
The decision preserves billions in overhead funding for universities supporting National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded research.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the ruling prevents cuts that would severely impact NIH-funded research.
Experts warn that appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court could threaten funding stability.

History

Historical Context

In 2023, a federal court settlement permitted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to evaluate grant applications without diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or vaccine criteria, following a lawsuit over $783 million in frozen grants. This ruling echoes historical legal disputes regarding federal funding criteria, highlighting ongoing tensions between government policies and academic freedom, and impacting universities dependent on NIH funding.

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Trump Administration Grants Review

U.S. President Donald Trump administration will review previously frozen university grants without DEI or vaccine criteria.
A December 29 settlement in Massachusetts federal court allows the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to consider grant applications by September 29, 2025, without these criteria.
The agreement, signed by several state attorneys general, follows a lawsuit over $783 million in frozen grants.
Campbell said the settlement ensures prompt NIH review.

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