Federal Judge Halts Cuts to Humanities Grants Amid Constitutional Concerns

In a significant ruling, a federal judge in Oregon has issued an injunction temporarily halting the mass cancellation of National Endowment for the Humanities grants to councils nationwide. The judge deemed the cancellations potentially unconstitutional, offering a legal win for those opposing the cuts.

Judge Michael H. Simon, appointed by former President Barack Obama, announced that the plaintiffs' claims of unconstitutional action are likely to succeed. The judge cited the United States Constitution, which assigns the power of the purse to Congress, emphasizing that the executive branch's decision to withhold funds could be a deliberate violation of Congressional mandates.

The conflict arose in April when the National Endowment for the Humanities canceled several grants as part of President Donald Trump's budget-cutting strategy. The Federation of State Humanities Councils filed suit to reverse these decisions. Adam Davis, Executive Director of the Oregon Council for the Humanities, welcomed the ruling as a positive step towards community unity. The judge's stay prevents the government from reallocating the contested funds until the case is resolved.

(With inputs from agencies.)