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New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a court order to halt the Trump administration's restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On Tuesday (July 1), a federal judge ruled to block the layoffs of ten thousand federal workers while the case proceeds. The lawsuit, led by James and joined by 19 other attorneys general, challenges the actions of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who announced the restructuring in March.
The restructuring plan, part of the "Department of Government Efficiency" initiative, aimed to consolidate HHS's 28 agencies into 15, leading to significant layoffs and the closure of several programs. This move affected crucial departments like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Trade Center Health Program. The lawsuit argues that these changes put public health at risk and violate constitutional principles.
Attorney General James criticized the administration's actions, stating, "When you fire the scientists who research infectious diseases and silence the doctors who care for pregnant patients, you are putting countless lives at risk" according to the New York Attorney General's office. The coalition of attorneys general contends that the restructuring has already caused significant harm, disrupting services for children, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over public health management. As the legal battle continues, the court's decision temporarily preserves the current structure of HHS, preventing further layoffs and program disruptions. The lawsuit is expected to face further legal challenges, with the coalition seeking to restore critical health programs nationwide.