Federal Court Orders Restoration of Pediatric Health Grants Amid Controversy

Tue Jan 13 2026 00:47:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge has reversed cuts made to the American Academy of Pediatrics, restoring nearly $12 million in essential funding for pediatric health programs after accusations of retaliatory motives by the Trump administration.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell has issued a preliminary injunction mandating the restoration of nearly $12 million in funding for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This decision follows the HHS's cuts to grants aimed at supporting pediatric health initiatives citing potential retaliatory motives amidst opposition to government health policies. AAP had claimed these cuts were retaliatory, directly targeting their advocacy for vaccinations and gender-affirming care for children.

NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant victory for child health advocates, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore nearly $12 million in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This funding is crucial for rural health care and the early identification of disabilities in children.

The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, was rooted in evidence that suggested the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acted with a retaliatory motive when it terminated grants to AAP in December. Judge Howell emphasized that this case centers not on the merits of vaccination policies or any specific health initiative, but on whether the government's actions were aimed at suppressing an essential public health organization committed to improving child health.

The halted grants previously supported a range of public health programs, including preventing sudden unexpected infant deaths and enhancing pediatric care in rural areas. According to AAP, the cuts were retaliatory actions for the organization's opposition to certain policies endorsed by the Trump administration.

In her ruling, Judge Howell stated that AAP demonstrated a likelihood of suffering irreparable harm due to the grant cuts and that the public interest favored allowing the continuation of these health programs during the litigation. Skye Perryman, the president and CEO of Democracy Forward, representing AAP in the lawsuit asserted, No administration gets to silence doctors, undermine public health, or put kids at risk, vowing to continue the fight against what they deemed unlawful retaliation.

HHS had previously denied any claims of retaliation, stating that the grants were discontinued as they no longer aligned with departmental priorities. In contrast, AAP’s extensive advocacy on issues like vaccinations, gender-affirming care, and other pediatric health matters has led to heightened scrutiny over the department’s motives.

This ruling marks a critical moment for public health advocates, reinforcing the need for entities focused on child welfare to retain their voices and resources in the face of political pressures.