A federal judge has directed former President Donald Trump to instantly restore approximately $500 million in research grant funding to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The ruling resolves a dispute stemming from the Trump management’s attempt to leverage funding over the university’s compliance wiht federal immigration laws.
The decision impacts hundreds of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants supporting critical medical research at UCLA, encompassing studies related to Parkinson’s disease, cancer recovery, and nerve regeneration. The Trump administration had initially proposed a settlement requiring UCLA to pay $1 billion to resolve an inquiry into alleged violations, a demand California Governor Gavin Newsom characterized as an “extortion attempt.” UCLA officials warned such a payment would severely harm the institution.
The grants in question support research vital to advancements in American healthcare. The dispute arose from allegations that UCLA did not fully cooperate with federal immigration investigations involving foreign students and researchers. The Trump administration sought to withhold the NIH funds as a means of compelling compliance.
Monday’s court order mandates the immediate reinstatement of the funding, ensuring the continuation of ongoing research projects. UCLA has stated the restored funds are essential for maintaining its position as a leading research university and for driving innovation in medical science. The Biden administration supported UCLA’s position in court, arguing the previous administration’s actions were politically motivated and lacked legal basis.
