Trump Administration Halts AHRQ Grants Despite $345 Million Appropriation
On July 15, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to halt at least 104 research grants, many tied to patient safety, threatening immediate suspension of federally funded safety projects.[1]
Congress appropriated $345 million for AHRQ for the current fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants and has not issued a new one in over a year.[1] HHS says about 75% of AHRQ staff have been fired or have quit since President Trump took office, and all grant managers have been removed.[1] HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said AHRQ plans a new grants "framework" but provided no details.[1]
On July 15, AHRQ sent a letter halting at least 104 grants, many focused on patient safety.[1] Cancellations hit longstanding projects at institutions including Houston Methodist and Case Western Reserve University that targeted medical errors, software safety, and chronic-disease management.[1] Researchers and hospital leaders warned the suspensions could slow work aimed at reducing preventable harm and improving clinical software reliability.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On July 15, 2026, AHRQ sent a letter halting at least 104 grants, many focused on patient safety.
- Congress appropriated $345 million for AHRQ for the current fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants and has not issued a new one in over a year.
- HHS reports about 75% of AHRQ staff have been fired or have quit since President Trump took office, and all grant managers have been removed.
- HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said AHRQ plans a new grants "framework" but provided no details.
- Canceled grants include longstanding projects at institutions such as Houston Methodist and Case Western Reserve University that target medical errors, software safety and chronic-disease management.
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