A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from enforcing a 15% cap on indirect costs for new and existing grants in 23 states. The cap, which was set to take effect today, would have replaced previously negotiated rates between NIH and universities or research institutions.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by 23 attorneys general against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and NIH, challenging the cap’s implementation.
This decision temporarily protects ongoing research efforts at USC and other institutions, ensuring that critical research continues without immediate disruption.
The NIH has until Friday to respond, with the attorneys general permitted to file a reply brief by Feb. 18. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 21.
We continue to closely monitor these developments and will provide updates as new information becomes available.