Washington State Secures Court Order Halting Trump Administration’s HHS Restructuring
OLYMPIA, WA – July 1, 2025 – Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today a significant legal victory in his ongoing efforts to protect essential public services. A federal court has granted a preliminary injunction, effectively blocking the Trump administration’s controversial plan to dismantle and restructure key components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The court’s decision, issued on July 1, 2025, comes as a direct result of a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ferguson and a coalition of states. The lawsuit challenged the administration’s abrupt and, according to the plaintiffs, unlawful reorganization of HHS, which critics argued would significantly undermine vital health and human services programs relied upon by millions of Americans, including Washingtonians.
The Trump administration’s proposed restructuring aimed to consolidate or eliminate several important HHS offices and initiatives. While the specifics of the plan were complex, concerns were raised that it would lead to a fragmentation of services, reduced oversight, and ultimately, a diminished capacity to address critical public health challenges such as disease prevention, mental health care, and support for vulnerable populations.
Attorney General Ferguson expressed his satisfaction with the court’s ruling, stating, “This is a crucial victory for the health and well-being of our state and the nation. The Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle HHS was a reckless move that would have jeopardized access to essential services for countless individuals and families. We are proud to have led this effort to ensure these vital programs remain intact and accessible.”
The preliminary injunction halts the implementation of the administration’s reorganization pending a full judicial review of the legality of the proposed changes. This pause allows for a more thorough examination of whether the administration followed proper legal procedures and whether the restructuring serves the public interest.
The lawsuit argued that the administration’s actions violated federal law by failing to adhere to required administrative procedures, including adequate public notice and opportunity for comment. Furthermore, the states contended that the proposed reorganization was arbitrary and capricious, lacking a rational basis and potentially causing irreparable harm to individuals and communities.
This legal challenge underscores the critical role state attorneys general play in safeguarding public welfare and holding federal agencies accountable. The coalition of states involved in the lawsuit highlighted their commitment to ensuring that federal agencies operate within the bounds of the law and continue to fulfill their statutory mandates to serve the public.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of health and human services in the United States, reinforcing the importance of due process and robust public engagement in significant governmental policy shifts. Washington State and its partners will continue to advocate for the protection of these essential services throughout the ongoing legal process.
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