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The Center for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, US, on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (Getty Images)

MINNESOTA (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) said the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has canceled about $38 million in grants that were meant to fund public health investments in the state.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing the Trump administration for $42 million, which his office says includes estimated future grant funding and State Injury Prevention Program (SIPP) funding.

The funds are part of $600 million in CDC grants that have also been cut to Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois and California.

Minnesota Department of Health statement

Big picture view:

According to MDH, the CDC said the funding for Minnesota was terminated because the state was “inconsistent with agency priorities.”

The funds were reportedly planned to be used to strengthen the state’s public health workforce, modernize data systems, support emergency planning and response work, build local public health services and capacity, as well as enhance efficiencies and effectiveness of public health programs.

The MDH adds that the federal government is making it harder to prepare for the next public health threat.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham released the following statement:

“There is simply no need or valid justification for these targeted cuts that put Minnesotans at risk. These cuts by the federal government, and other cuts to public health funding over the past year, highlight a total disregard for promoting health and wellbeing. The ongoing cuts create an environment of chaos and confusion for communities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ actions directly contradict their claims that they are working to make Americans healthier. They are making us less healthy, less safe and less prepared to respond to emergencies.”

AG Ellison lawsuit 

Dig deeper:

In an update, Ellison announced that the court issued an order to temporarily block the funding cut. The temporary restraining order will last 14 days. 

Ellison’s lawsuit alleges that the directive to cut this funding violates the constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act because it is “arbitrary and capricious.”

Here is a statement following the court decision: 

“I’m pleased to have won a temporary stop to the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to slash millions in public health funding to Minnesota. It should go without saying, but the president is supposed to represent and serve all Americans, and it is unspeakably tragic that President Trump has instead decided to deliberately inflict pain and suffering on Minnesotans. As long as President Trump’s campaign of revenge and retribution goes on, I will do everything in my power to protect the people of Minnesota from his lawless actions.”

The backstory:

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) notified Congress of its intent to terminate CDC grants to Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois and California on Feb. 9.

What’s next:

The MDH said it is “aware that CDC has notified Congress that they plan to cut additional grants starting next week.’

The grants include the Preventive Services Block Grant (PBG) as well as the HIV Surveillance and Prevention — Strengthening STD Prevention and Control for Health Departments grant. 

CDC response

The other side:

FOX 9 has reached out to the CDC for a response and will update this story if one is received. 

The Source: This story uses information shared by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Health. 

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