Trump takes back $11 billion in public health funding

The US government is reclaiming over $11 billion in unspent public health funds originally allocated during the COVID-19 emergency, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and public health advocates who warn it will weaken the country’s ability to respond to future health threats and disrupt essential care services.

Rosa DeLauro, a senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, accused former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk of driving the decision, saying they are “stealing funds promised to Americans for substance abuse treatment and mental health services.” She warned that states will be forced to cancel contracts for addiction counseling and behavioral health services, with job losses expected across frontline roles.

The funds being pulled include roughly $11.4 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and around $1 billion from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Many of these grants had been expected to continue through September 2025.