Obama Judge’s Absurd Reasoning for Restoring Funding to American Academy of Pediatrics

In 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services terminated seven grants awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). A department spokesperson declared at the time that those grants (among others) were terminated “because they no longer align with the Department’s mission or priorities.” The AAP sued in response, arguing that ceasing funding amounted to retaliation against the organization’s constitutionally protected expression. This month, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell similarly suspected a “retaliatory motive” behind the grant terminations; she granted a preliminary injunction, thereby restoring millions in funding.

In her (long) decision, Judge Howell — an Obama appointee — wrote the following:

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Abigail Anthony

Abigail Anthony is a staff writer at National Review.

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Department of Health and Human Services

In 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services terminated seven grants awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). A department spokesperson declared at the time that those grants (among others) were terminated “because they no longer align with the Department’s mission or priorities.” The AAP sued in response, arguing that ceasing funding amounted to retaliation against the organization’s constitutionally protected expression. This month, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell similarly suspected a “retaliatory motive” behind the grant terminations; she granted a preliminary injunction, thereby restoring millions in funding.

In her (long) decision, Judge Howell — an Obama appointee — wrote the following: