NewsPBS NewsHourMay 8, 2026United States
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Cancellation of $100M in Humanities Grants
A federal judge in New York has ruled that the Trump administration's cancellation of over $100 million in humanities grants was unconstitutional, citing illegal viewpoint discrimination. The court found that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lacked the authority to terminate the funding and criticized the use of AI to identify projects for cancellation.
Read the full story at PBS NewsHourWhy It Matters
The ruling prevents the administration from terminating over 1,400 congressionally approved grants, restoring funding to scholars, writers, and research organizations that had been targeted for cancellation.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personColleen McMahon“U.S. District Judge in Manhattan who issued the ruling.”personYinka Ezekiel Onayemi“Attorney for the Authors Guild.”organizationNational Endowment for the Humanities“The federal agency responsible for the grants.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States.”personMichael McDonald“Former acting chairman of the NEH who sent cancellation letters.”organizationDepartment of Government Efficiency“The administration body that directed the grant cancellations.”organizationThe Authors Guild“Lead plaintiff in the lawsuit against the government.”personSarah Weicksel“Executive director of the American Historical Association.”