1. United States
2. Letter

The Trump administration's decision to cut $1.8 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants is deeply concerning and will have severe consequences for medical research and public health. These cuts target critical areas like minority health, aging, cancer, mental health, and neurological disorders, abruptly terminating nearly 700 grants across 24 institutes and centers. Minority health was disproportionately impacted, with 30% of funding cut from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities – 10 times the average reduction. Moreover, the president's proposed $18 billion cut to the overall NIH budget for next year threatens to derail important research on chronic diseases, epidemics, climate change's health impacts, and gender-focused studies. Larger grants funding major clinical trials and research centers were more likely to be terminated, potentially disrupting patient care and interventions. Prestigious institutions like Columbia University were hit hard, forced to lay off staff due to the loss of federal grant funding. These draconian cuts undermine the NIH's vital work and America's standing as a global leader in biomedical research. They jeopardize advances that could save countless lives and help cultivate a healthier society. Swift action must be taken to restore this funding and ensure the NIH can continue its lifesaving mission unimpeded. The health and well-being of all Americans depends on robust investment in medical research and public health initiatives.