Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Attempt to Cancel Grant Funding for American Academy of Pediatrics
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from canceling nearly $12 million in grant funding awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The funding was terminated after the medical group clashed with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over changes to vaccine policy. The judge found that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services retaliated against the AAP due to its advocacy, violating its free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.
The judge stated that the HHS officials' "pejorative" statements attacking AAP for its support of childhood vaccinations and gender-affirming care showed clear animus towards the group when terminating its grants. The ruling emphasized the importance of access to high-quality information in the marketplace of ideas.
AAP and HHS did not immediately comment on the ruling. The decision follows a separate lawsuit brought by AAP and other medical groups challenging HHS policies under Kennedy that they believe will reduce U.S. vaccination rates. The grants, administered by the CDC and HRSA, supported initiatives to improve care in rural communities and reduce sudden infant death, among other things.
AAP's recommendation for all young children to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in August diverged from the CDC's stance under Kennedy, who founded an anti-vaccine group before leading HHS. The group also criticized the CDC's decision to reduce the number of recommended vaccines for children as "dangerous and unnecessary" and continues to support gender-affirming care for transgender youth, despite the Trump administration's efforts to restrict it.
The ruling underscores the ongoing legal battles between AAP and the government over vaccine policy and advocacy. The decision to block the termination of grant funding highlights the importance of protecting free speech rights and ensuring access to accurate information in public health matters.