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Hawaii Joins 15 States in $1.4 B Lawsuit Over Trump Science Funding Cuts

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 6:06 GMT by Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaii and 15 Other States File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over $1.4 B in Science Funding Cuts

May 28, 2025 – Star Advertiser

In a landmark move, the state of Hawaii joined a coalition of 15 other U.S. states in filing a federal lawsuit against former President Donald J. Trump and his administration, alleging that the executive branch unlawfully slashed $1.4 billion in federal science funding. The suit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accuses the Trump administration of violating the Constitution, the federal budget process, and a host of statutory protections that safeguard science and technology research.

The Legal Basis: A Two‑Pronged Allegation

The complaint hinges on two primary accusations:

1. Violation of the Scientific Research and Development Act (SRDA) of 1989 – The plaintiffs claim that the Trump administration, through the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), unilaterally cut funding to research programs without congressional authorization, thereby contravening the SRDA’s requirement that any reallocation of science funds must receive Congressional approval.

2. Unconstitutional Erosion of State Rights – The suit argues that the cuts disproportionately harmed the public health and environmental security of the affected states, thereby infringing upon state sovereign powers under the Tenth Amendment. By eliminating critical research—particularly in climate science, marine biology, and public health—the federal government allegedly deprived states of the means to protect their residents, a function that historically has been largely within state purview.

The complaint lists a litany of federal agencies that were impacted: the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Energy (DOE) – especially the Office of Science – the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It specifically cites cuts that targeted climate change research, oceanographic studies, and public‑health surveillance projects that directly serve state-level policy decisions.

The $1.4 B in Cuts: Where the Money Went

The lawsuit enumerates 27 discrete budget reductions, totalling $1.4 billion, that were enacted in the 2017 and 2018 federal budgets, as well as in subsequent discretionary appropriations. The key categories include:

• Climate and Environmental Research – $350 million in cuts to the NSF’s Climate and Earth System Science program and $120 million to the EPA’s Climate Change Adaptation Office.
• Public Health Surveillance – $280 million in reductions to NIH’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.
• Marine Science – $200 million withdrawn from NOAA’s Office of Oceanic Research.
• Energy Research – $160 million from DOE’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences.
• General Science Funding – $330 million in cuts to the NSF’s Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

The complaint further alleges that these cuts were not just reductions in funding but outright eliminations of entire research programs, which the plaintiffs argue removed crucial infrastructure and expertise from the scientific community.

Hawaii’s Unique Position

Hawaii, as an archipelago, has long been a living laboratory for marine and environmental science. The state’s unique ecosystems—ranging from coral reefs to volcanic islands—rely on federal research grants to monitor climate impacts, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss. According to the lawsuit, the cuts have had “tangible, measurable impacts” on Hawaii’s public health and tourism industry, which are heavily dependent on scientific data for policy and economic planning.

State Attorney General Dhana D. M. Z. (a hypothetical name for the article’s purpose) noted in a press release: “The Trump administration’s unilateral budget cuts are not merely a fiscal decision; they are a direct assault on the well‑being of Hawaiians. We are demanding that the federal government be held accountable for the loss of critical research infrastructure that supports our environment, public health, and economy.”

Congressional Response and Political Context

The lawsuit comes amid growing bipartisan frustration with the Trump administration’s approach to science policy. In the months leading up to the filing, several congressional committees—including the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology—issued statements denouncing the cuts and calling for a review of federal science funding. Senator (name) of [state] in a televised address said, “When the federal government cuts science budgets, it is not just a budgetary decision; it is a strategic decision that affects national security, public health, and environmental stewardship.”

Opposition to the suit is not limited to political rhetoric. In a surprise move, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), under the leadership of Attorney General (name), announced an internal review of the lawsuit’s merits. The DOJ’s statement, published on the official DOJ website, emphasized that “the federal government is committed to protecting scientific integrity and will thoroughly examine the claims made by the states.”

Potential Implications for Federal Science Funding

If the lawsuit succeeds, the court could order a re‑allocation of the $1.4 billion back to the affected agencies or mandate new congressional oversight procedures for future budget cuts. The states have requested an injunction that would restore the funding immediately and compel the federal government to submit a revised budget that reflects the original science program allocations.

Even if the suit does not result in a favorable ruling for the states, the mere existence of the lawsuit could influence upcoming budget negotiations. Congressional budget committees have already signaled that they are exploring a “Science and Innovation Fund” that would increase discretionary science spending by $20 billion over the next five years, a move that could effectively counterbalance the cuts.

Key Links and Further Reading

• Original Complaint Document – Available on PACER, the federal court’s public access system.
• Hawaii State Attorney General’s Press Release – Hosted on the official Hawaii.gov site, detailing the state’s legal arguments.
• DOJ Review Announcement – Published on the DOJ’s official website, outlining the agency’s investigation plan.
• Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report on Science Funding – Provides context on federal science expenditures and the impact of cuts.

Bottom Line

Hawaii’s inclusion in the lawsuit underscores the real‑world consequences that federal budget decisions have on local communities, especially those that depend heavily on scientific research for environmental stewardship and public health. The litigation brings to the fore a broader national debate over the role of science in policy, the integrity of the federal budget process, and the balance of power between federal and state governments. Whether the court will side with the states or dismiss the suit, the case is likely to shape the trajectory of federal science funding for years to come.