Federal Judge Restores Funding for Children's Health Programs

Tue Jan 13 2026 00:48:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant ruling, a federal judge reinstated nearly $12 million in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasizing the importance of public health programs aimed at supporting children's well-being amid allegations of government retaliation.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell issued a preliminary injunction that mandates the Trump administration to restore funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The judge noted that the defunding showed signs of a retaliatory motive, related to AAP's criticism of public health policies. The funding is crucial for various pediatric health initiatives, including rural health care, disability identification, and substance abuse support for youth.

In a landmark decision for pediatric public health, a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore nearly $12 million in funding for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a key institution advocating for children's health and early disability identification among other health initiatives.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled late Sunday that the AAP's contention of retaliatory motives behind the funding cuts was compelling enough to warrant a preliminary injunction. The funding cuts, announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in December, had been interpreted as a direct consequence of AAP's outspoken criticism of various health policies, including those concerning vaccinations and gender-affirming care.

“This is not about whether AAP or HHS holds a superior position on public health policies,” Judge Howell stated in her ruling. “It’s about whether the federal government has the right to retaliate against organizations that promote healthy public discourse.”

The halted grants were aimed at major health programs including efforts to prevent sudden unexpected infant deaths, enhance pediatric care in rural regions, and support mental health initiatives for adolescents facing substance use challenges.

AAP fought the cuts vigorously, alleging they were part of a pattern of retaliatory actions by HHS, which the department denied, claiming the funding no longer aligned with their priorities. Judge Howell emphasized the likelihood of 'irreparable harm' that AAP would suffer if the funding ceased permanently and noted that restoring these programs serves the public interest while the litigation unfolds.

In response to the ruling, Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represents AAP in the lawsuit, stated, “No administration should silence health advocates or compromise the well-being of children.” While a spokesperson for HHS refrained from commenting on the ruling, the implications extend beyond just the funding—addressing the importance of preserving child health advocacy in the face of political pressures.