A federal judge in Manhattan has rejected an attempt by 16 Democratic-led states to force President Donald Trump’s administration to reinstate hundreds of millions in National Science Foundation (NSF) grants for diversity-focused STEM research. The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge John Cronan on August 1, 2025, marks a setback for states seeking to reverse Trump’s April 2025 policy shift, which halted funding for programs aimed at increasing participation of women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
The states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, argued in a May lawsuit that the Trump administration lacked authority to cancel congressionally mandated NSF grants. They claimed the move violated the National Science Foundation Act’s directive to promote diversity in STEM. Cronan, a Trump appointee, ruled that challenges to already-terminated grants belong in the Court of Federal Claims, not his court. He also noted that NSF continued funding some diversity projects, undermining claims that the policy categorically banned such initiatives.
The ruling aligns with Trump’s broader push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, a key campaign promise. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue the cuts harm efforts to address systemic inequities in STEM fields. Supporters, however, view the decision as a win for taxpayers, redirecting funds from what they call ideological programs. The states are reviewing options for appeal, while the administration continues its review of federal grant priorities.
