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NY AG James says she’s suing Trump administration over cuts to health and social programs
By
David Brand
Published May 3, 2025
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By
David Brand
Published May 3, 2025
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New York State Attorney General Letitia James says she plans to sue the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to block cuts to key programs for low-income Americans, people with disabilities and people contemplating suicide.
James made the announcement during a fiery speech at the headquarters of the National Action Network in Harlem, in which she took specific aim at Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — referring to him as “the guy with a worm in his head.”
James said the Trump administration was “attacking the most vulnerable New Yorkers” by weakening or eliminating social programs that many Americans have come to depend on.
“All of these funds and more, we've got to stand up,” she said. “And that's why Democratic attorneys general will be joining me in filing this lawsuit in the coming days.”
She cited the Head Start program, which provides free early childhood education and other services to low-income families. HHS has laid off staff who administer the program, leading to payment delays for providers, and weighed eliminating it altogether, though the White House has backed off that plan, the AP reported Friday.
She also criticized the administration for eroding the Meals on Wheels program, which provides daily food and other services to older Americans and people with disabilities. HHS has shrunk the agency that oversees Meals on Wheels.
She added that HHS was cutting a suicide hotline, likely a reference to the 988 service geared to LGBTQ+ youth, and gutting the 9/11 health care fund for people whose health was affected by fallout from the 9/11 terror attack.
“And you want me to sit in my seat and stand idly by and allow this craziness to happen?” James said.
HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The threatened lawsuit marks the latest salvo in James’ ongoing legal battles with the president and his administration. She has sued the Trump administration on numerous occasions to block new policies or program cuts.
She also won a $454 million judgement in a civil case against Trump for overvaluing properties to win more favorable loan terms from lenders. Trump is appealing the decision.
Last month, a federal housing official referred allegations of mortgage fraud by James to the Department of Justice for Investigation. James has denied the accusation and said Trump is seeking “revenge” for her past legal actions.
In her speech, James said several other state attorneys general will be joining the lawsuit against what she called the “Health and Hospitals Association.” A spokesperson said she misspoke and was referring to HHS.
The spokesperson declined to say which states are involved or when the lawsuit will be filed.
On Friday, James’ office issued an announcement about a “new action” against the Trump administration happening Monday afternoon.
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new york state
Politics
David Brand
David is a reporter covering housing for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 908-310-3960.
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