Kansas joins multistate lawsuit against Trump administration over termination federal grant

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Governor Laura Kelly has joined a coalition of 23 states challenging the Trump administration over its decision to abruptly cut off billions in federal funding tied to programs supporting public health, education, food access, disaster response, and agriculture.

The lawsuit, filed in the District of Massachusetts, argues that the administration is illegally using a vague federal regulation, allowing agencies to end funding if it “no longer effectuates… agency priorities," as justification to terminate existing grants. Governor Kelly called the move a “whim” that jeopardizes core programs Kansans rely on.

“It makes no sense to claim that protecting Kansans from natural disasters or supporting Kansas farm products no longer supports the priorities of FEMA or the USDA,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I joined this lawsuit on behalf of Kansas to ensure funds going towards critical programs our state depends on are not ripped away by the Trump Administration—or any presidential administration—on a whim.”

Since January 20, the administration has pulled millions in previously approved funding from Kansas, including:

• $2 million for a Department of Agriculture program that bought local food for statewide distribution.
• Grants for Southeast Kansas science education and healthy food initiatives through the Department of Health and Environment.

The coalition, which includes states like New York, California, and Pennsylvania, says the Trump administration’s broad interpretation of a narrow clause undermines Congressional authority and threatens the stability of essential programs nationwide.

In February, a Trump executive order directed agencies to end grants that no longer match current priorities, leading to mass terminations without prior notice. The lawsuit seeks to block the action and clarify that federal agencies cannot cancel funding based on retroactive policy changes.

Joining Kansas and Governor Kelly in the filing are governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, along with attorneys general from 21 other states.

Read the full lawsuit here.