In his 40 years on the bench, Judge Young stated he had never seen such blatant racial discrimination from the government.

On June 16, 2025, a federal judge ruled that several grant terminations by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were 'void and illegal,' marking a significant victory for researchers amid ongoing controversies over funding cuts.

US District Court Judge William Young criticized the Trump administration for its racial discrimination in funding cuts, particularly targeting research on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and gender identity.

The NIH, recognized as the largest public funder of biomedical research globally, has faced unprecedented changes and significant disruptions in research funding due to these cuts.

An estimated $1.8 billion in NIH grants were terminated, with some sources suggesting the total could be much higher, affecting critical research areas.

The canceled research topics included vital areas such as cardiovascular health, Alzheimer's disease, and the impact of medications on diverse populations, which could harm both scientists and potential patients.

The ruling follows a lawsuit initiated in April 2025 by various stakeholders, including the ACLU and the American Public Health Association, who argued that the NIH acted beyond its authority in ending funding directed by Congress.

While the ruling restores specific funding, its implications for other NIH funding cuts and ongoing lawsuits remain uncertain.

A separate lawsuit regarding grant terminations by the National Science Foundation is pending, with Massachusetts and Harvard University also involved.

The funding cuts were part of a broader effort by the Trump administration, under adviser Elon Musk, to reduce federal spending and eliminate jobs in health agencies.

Government lawyers defended the NIH's decisions, claiming the terminations were justified based on the agency's discretion regarding scientific value.

Judge Young emphasized the need to restore research funds to the plaintiffs, questioning his authority to overturn executive orders but insisting on the importance of scientific integrity.