California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island has granted a preliminary injunction in response to California’s lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The legal action challenges the mass firing of employees and dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The court’s decision prevents any immediate implementation or enforcement of planned reductions in force or restructuring within specific HHS sub-agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Tobacco Products, Office of Head Start, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “The work of HHS is absolutely critical to the safety and health of millions of Americans. We are pleased the court temporarily halted the Trump Administration’s unlawful dismantling of the agency so that HHS can continue its important work.” He further criticized the administration’s actions as overstepping presidential authority by attempting to incapacitate a congressionally created department and declining to spend appropriated funds.
The background to this legal battle began on March 27, 2025, when HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced significant departmental cuts under the “Make America Healthy Again” directive. Following this announcement, several programs funded through HHS were shut down, resulting in staff layoffs and a loss of resources crucial for combating infectious diseases, reducing smoking-related deaths, and supporting early childhood programs.
On May 5, 2025, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition with 20 other attorneys general to file a lawsuit challenging these actions. A motion for preliminary injunction was filed on May 9, 2025, which led to today’s court ruling.
A copy of the decision is available for public review.
