Washington, D.C. – March 08, 2025 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced today the cancellation of a $600,000 federal grant that had been awarded to Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College in Louisiana for a study on menstrual cycles in transgender men. The decision, made public on the social media platform X, has sparked a mix of praise and criticism as the Trump administration continues its push to reevaluate federal spending priorities.

The grant, originally scheduled to run through April 2027, aimed to explore the menstrual experiences of transgender men, as well as individuals with masculine gender identities, intersex conditions, and non-binary persons. According to the grant description on USAspending.gov, it sought to address a gap in understanding reproductive health across diverse populations, noting that “transgender men and people with masculine gender identities, intersex and non-binary persons may also menstruate.” The study was intended to complement broader research on menstruation, which typically focuses on cisgender women, who experience an average of 450 menstrual cycles over a lifetime, from roughly age 12 to 51.

Secretary Rollins, a Texas A&M graduate and the first Texan to hold the position, framed the cancellation as part of a broader effort to eliminate what she called “insanity” in federal funding. “CANCELLED: $600,000 grant to study ‘menstrual cycles in transgender men,’” she wrote on X. “Keep sending us tips. THANK YOU, @approject! The insanity is ending and the restoration of America is underway.” The move aligns with the administration’s collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been tasked with identifying and cutting perceived wasteful spending.

The study first came under scrutiny from the American Principles Project (APP), a conservative nonprofit that identified it as part of a larger pool of over 340 federal grants—totaling more than $128 million—issued during the Biden administration for research it deems excessive or ideologically driven. The APP’s findings prompted Rollins to act swiftly, marking this cancellation as one of her first high-profile decisions since being sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on February 13, 2025.

Reaction to the cancellation has been polarized. Supporters, including some taxpayers and conservative groups, hailed it as a victory for fiscal responsibility. “Good work, Sec. Rollins! Thank you,” one X user posted, echoing sentiments that federal funds should not support what they view as frivolous research. Others questioned how such a grant was approved in the first place, with one user asking, “How did we get so stupid with our tax dollars?”

Critics, however, argue that the decision undermines scientific inquiry and marginalizes transgender healthcare needs. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a researcher in gender and reproductive health, expressed concern, stating, “Understanding the unique experiences of transgender individuals in relation to menstruation is crucial for providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. By dismissing this study, we are neglecting an essential aspect of reproductive health.” Advocacy groups have also voiced disappointment, calling for greater recognition of diverse healthcare needs.

The cancellation comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape federal priorities, including cuts to other programs perceived as misaligned with its agenda. Earlier this year, the Department of Agriculture slashed millions in contracts, including $230,000 for a “Brazilian Forest and Gender Consultant” role, signaling a pattern of reevaluating grants tied to gender and diversity initiatives.

Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College, a historically Black institution in Baton Rouge, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the cancellation. The university had been poised to lead the study, which some saw as an opportunity to advance inclusive agricultural and health research.

As the debate unfolds, the cancellation of the $600,000 grant underscores ongoing tensions over federal funding, scientific research, and the intersection of gender and public policy. For now, Secretary Rollins remains steadfast in her mission to “revitalize rural America” and redirect resources to what she views as core agricultural priorities.