Judge can’t believe Trump’s NIH research project cuts: “I’ve never seen government racial discrimination like this”
A judge has declared that Trump’s cuts are likely illegal: “You are bearing down on people of color because of their color.”
Since returning to the presidency, Donald Trump has made no secret of his efforts to gut funding across the United States. Hundreds of projects have had their funding abruptly cut, as the former reality TV star wields a metaphorical chainsaw against the nation’s progress.
But now, there’s finally some pushback. U.S. District Judge William Young of Massachusetts has ruled that the Trump administration’s sweeping cancellation of hundreds of NIH research grants was “arbitrary and capricious”—and likely illegal.
Judge Young underscored that the cuts disproportionately targeted studies focused on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), gender identity, and LGBTQ issues. Crucially, the administration bypassed standard federal grant review protocols, raising serious concerns about racial and LGBTQ discrimination.
‘I’ve never seen government racial discrimination like this’
“I’ve never seen government racial discrimination like this,” he said, asking, “Have we no shame?”
Young spoke about what he called “a darker aspect” to the cuts, saying it was “palpably clear” that “racial discrimination and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community” were the motives behind them.
According to CNN, the ruling—when formally issued—is “expected to be appealed,” with the report adding that “the Trump administration didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.”
Young, an appointee of former Republican President Ronald Reagan, stated: “You are bearing down on people of color because of their color. The Constitution will not permit that,” he said. “Any discrimination by our government is so wrong that it requires the court to enjoin it—and at an appropriate time, I’m going to do it.”
Even with the colossal scale of the cuts, the ones mentioned by Young represent only a fraction of the total enacted by the Trump administration, which has repeatedly attacked DEI policies—going so far as to blame a plane crash on diversity hiring.
Reporter: Are you saying this crash was caused as a result of diversity hiring
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 30, 2025
Trump: It could have been pic.twitter.com/VdgZZQ0jbl
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