Federal Lawsuit Targets Health Department Reorganization by Trump Administration
On a notable Monday, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin took a firm stand against what he and a coalition of 19 other state attorneys general deem an unlawful dismantling of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The collective filed a sweeping federal lawsuit aimed at stopping the radical changes instituted by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump Administration.
The Nature of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, presented in federal court, outlines a broad and concerning reorganization of HHS. This reformation has resulted in mass firings, abrupt closures of vital health programs, and the shuttering of regional offices designed to respond to national public health crises. The attorneys general contend that these sweeping actions not only violate federal law but also pose significant risks to public safety. They claim the changes exceed the boundaries of executive authority and ultimately jeopardize the health of Americans.
Platkin’s Concerns
Attorney General Platkin articulates strong objections to the ongoing restructuring efforts. “Instead of responding to urgent public health crises, the Trump Administration is recklessly disregarding the health of New Jerseyans,” he stated. The gravity of the situation is compounded by the alarming prospect that tens of thousands of public health workers could face dismissal while essential programs fall by the wayside.
Details of the Reorganization
On March 27, 2023, Secretary Kennedy unveiled his radical plan to consolidate HHS’s 28 agencies into just 15. Almost immediately, the repercussions of this decision were felt nationwide. By April 1, around 10,000 employees were terminated, and half of the department’s regional offices—located in major urban centers such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco—were closed.
Critical Services in Jeopardy
The lawsuit underscores the devastating impact of these changes on critical public health services. Notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s infectious disease laboratories, which are essential for monitoring outbreaks like measles and hepatitis, have been shut down. Furthermore, the fabric of mental health and addiction services has been severely compromised. Hundreds of staff members from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) were let go, and all SAMHSA regional offices were closed.
Consequences for Vulnerable Groups
One of the most troubling aspects of the lawsuit is the fallout for vulnerable populations, particularly those benefiting from the World Trade Center Health Program. This program serves over 137,000 first responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks. With the department’s reorganization, the medical professionals required to certify new cancer diagnoses have become unavailable, effectively hindering access to crucial care.
Additionally, the dismantling of CDC’s maternal health team has grave implications, especially for pregnant women and infants during a time when maternal mortality remains a pressing national issue.
Legal Basis of the Lawsuit
The coalition of attorneys general, led by New York’s Letitia James, Rhode Island’s Peter Neronha, and Washington’s Nick Brown, firmly believes the Trump Administration’s actions contravene the principle of separation of powers. By disregarding congressional mandates aimed at protecting public health, they argue that the administration is acting unconstitutionally.
Platkin’s Ongoing Advocacy
Attorney General Platkin has been proactive in challenging recent rollbacks to health policy. On April 1, just days before filing the current lawsuit, he joined a collective of 23 attorneys general in taking the administration to court over significant cuts in state health funding. This legal battle, which led to a federal judge issuing a temporary restraining order to restore that vital funding, underscores his commitment to public health issues.
States Standing Together
In addition to New Jersey, the coalition includes attorneys general from a diverse array of states, such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Together, they are calling for a court order to halt the terminations of HHS staff, reverse the harmful restructuring, and restore the essential public health services that many communities rely on.
Through this impactful legal action, the attorneys general hope to reclaim the integrity of the Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring it can effectively serve the American public amidst ongoing health crises.
