Society for General Internal Medicine Sues Trump Administration Over AHRQ Cuts

The Trump administration has effectively shut down the majority of activities at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), an arm of the Department of Health and Human Services focused on patient safety. In a July 15 letter, the agency notified researchers that it was halting at least 104 grants. Despite a congressional appropriation of $345 million for the fiscal year, the AHRQ spent less than $15 million on grants and has not issued a new one in over a year.

Internal disruptions have led to the departure or firing of approximately 75% of agency staff, including all grant managers. AHRQ Director Roger Klein has suggested that artificial intelligence could replace much of the agency's analytics. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed folding the AHRQ into a new Office of Strategy as part of a broader effort to reduce federal investment in biomedical research.

In response, the Society for General Internal Medicine has filed a lawsuit against Director Klein and Secretary Kennedy, alleging that the failure to utilize appropriated funds is illegal. The administration has defended its actions, stating it is strengthening the grants process and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.