NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore nearly $12 million in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including money for rural health care and for early identification of disabilities in young children.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, D.C., ruled late Sunday that evidence indicated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had a retaliatory motive when it abruptly terminated the grants in December.

Howell stated, This is not a case about whether AAP or HHS is right or even has the better position on vaccinations and gender-affirming care for children, or any other public health policy. This is a case about whether the federal government has exercised power in a manner designed to chill public health policy debate by retaliating against a leading pediatric organization focused on improving children's health.

The grants that were cut supported numerous vital public health programs, including efforts to prevent sudden unexpected infant death, strengthen pediatric care in underserved areas, and assist teens dealing with substance use and mental health issues.

AAP claimed that the funding cuts were in retaliation for its opposition to certain policies of the Trump administration. In response, HHS argued the grants were eliminated as they no longer matched the department's priorities. However, the department has denied any allegations of retaliatory intent.

AAP has been outspoken in its support for pediatric vaccinations and has often opposed HHS's stances. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously led anti-vaccine efforts, has made extensive changes to childhood vaccination recommendations. Last year, AAP issued its own guidance on COVID-19 vaccines, diverging significantly from the government’s recommendations.

Furthermore, AAP advocates for gender-affirming care and has publicly criticized HHS policies, denouncing perceived infringements on the doctor-patient relationship.

In her decision, Judge Howell explained that AAP had demonstrated it would experience significant harm from the funding cuts, and underscored that the public interest favored continuing the programs as the legal proceedings unfold.

Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, representing AAP in the lawsuit, expressed that this ruling affirms that “no administration gets to silence doctors, undermine public health, or put kids at risk, and we will continue our fight until this unlawful retaliation ceases.”

A spokesperson from HHS declined to comment, and attempts to reach HHS attorneys involved in the case were unsuccessful.