New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined forces with attorneys general from 15 other states to file a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The legal action aims to halt what they describe as illegal efforts to reduce National Science Foundation (NSF) programs and funding, which are deemed essential for maintaining the United States' leadership in STEM fields.
On April 18, the NSF began terminating projects designed to boost participation among women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM disciplines. This was followed by an announcement on May 2 that indirect costs for research projects would be capped at 15 percent. Such costs include laboratory space, equipment, and facility services. The cap is expected to cut millions of dollars from scientific research nationwide, potentially affecting national security, economic stability, and public health.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the impact of these changes: “Gutting funding for the development of the STEM field will devastate New Jersey’s world-class research universities... These unlawful cuts will deeply impact the groundbreaking research and development that takes place in New Jersey every single day.”
Since its inception in 1950, NSF has played a pivotal role as an independent federal agency supporting U.S. dominance in STEM fields. Its funded research addresses major challenges like artificial intelligence and environmental issues while maintaining competitiveness globally.
The NSF is also legally mandated by Congress to enhance diversity within STEM fields. According to statistics cited by the coalition of attorneys general, between 1995 and 2017 there was a significant increase in women and people of color entering science and engineering roles or earning related degrees.
The lawsuit further contends that capping indirect costs at universities would severely hinder scientific research across the nation. Essential projects could be abandoned, staff might face layoffs, and vital areas such as national security could suffer setbacks. Similar attempts by NIH and DOE have previously been blocked by courts following lawsuits led by Attorney General Platkin alongside others.
The coalition argues that NSF's new directives breach both the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional provisions by unlawfully altering policy without adhering to Congressional intent. They seek a court order declaring these policies illegal and preventing their implementation.
Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State along with Wisconsin are part of this legal challenge alongside New Jersey's Attorney General Platkin.
