Ellison Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration Over HHS Dismantling
TL/DR –
Attorney General Ellison has joined a lawsuit with 18 attorneys general against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration for massive cuts in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The cuts have resulted in the firing of thousands of federal health workers, the closure of CDC infectious disease laboratories including those responsible for tracking measles, and the closing of many HHS regional offices. The plaintiffs argue that the administration has violated federal statutes and regulations, and they are asking the court to halt further cuts, reverse the reorganization, and restore critical health services.
Attorney General Ellison Sues HHS Secretary over Massive Health Services Cuts
May 5, 2025 (SAINT PAUL) – Attorney General Ellison is leading 18 attorneys general in a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), claiming that the Trump administration is illegally dismantling the HHS. Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have allegedly eliminated thousands of federal health jobs, closed essential programs, and left Americans without federal support in the face of growing health crises.
“In the wake of a deadly measles outbreak and a pandemic that claimed over a million American lives, the Trump Administration is trying to make us sicker, not healthier,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “The slashing of HHS services contradicts Congress’s authority. We’re suing to protect the vital work of the HHS and, by extension, the people of Minnesota and the rule of law.”
Effects of HHS Restructuring on Americans
Secretary Kennedy announced a significant restructuring of the HHS on March 27. This restructuring, part of the “Department of Government Efficiency” initiative, involves reducing the department’s agencies from 28 to 15, and cutting the department’s workforce from 85,000 to 65,000. This led to the termination of 10,000 HHS employees and the closure of several regional offices, causing upheaval across the nation’s health system.
These changes have left miners with black lung disease unprotected, disrupted access to N95 masks, and halted federal monitoring of diseases like measles. Hundreds of mental health and addiction treatment workers have lost their jobs, and life-saving care for over 137,000 9/11 first responders and survivors is at risk. Pregnant women and newborns are also in danger due to the firing of the entire CDC maternal health team.
The attorneys general argue that these drastic actions violate numerous federal statutes and regulations. They claim that the Trump administration lacks the authority for such radical changes. The lawsuit asserts that this restructuring threatens HHS’s mission to protect and advance the health and well-being of all Americans.
The coalition is calling on the court to halt further firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore critical health services. Today’s lawsuit follows an earlier lawsuit co-led by Attorney General Ellison against funding cuts by the Trump administration. A federal judge recently issued a temporary restraining order against the Administration, reinstating the funding.
Joining Attorney General Ellison in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of numerous states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown.
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