Story perspectives

Trump Era Staffer Testifies on Canceled LGBTQ+ Humanities Grants

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nathan Cavanaugh, a former Trump administration staffer, testified that humanities grants mentioning LGBTQ+ topics were flagged.
The testimony is part of lawsuit by academic organizations alleging unlawful termination of DEI grants.
Cavanaugh and Justin Fox reviewed grants to identify those conflicting with Trump's DEI orders and flagged by keywords.
The actions led to the cancellation of over 1,400 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants worth over $100 million.

1 of 1

Story summary

Nathan Cavanaugh, a former Trump administration staffer, testified that humanities grants mentioning LGBTQ+ topics were flagged.
The testimony is part of lawsuit by academic organizations alleging unlawful termination of DEI grants.
Cavanaugh and Justin Fox reviewed grants to identify those conflicting with Trump's DEI orders and flagged by keywords.
The actions led to the cancellation of over 1,400 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants worth over $100 million.