Life-Saving Research Halted, Act Now on NIH Cuts

The Trump administration's significant cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have severely impacted American science and public health. ProPublica reports that over 1,450 grants were terminated, resulting in more than $750 million in lost research for critical areas like pandemics and HIV. Over 90 NIH scientists have signed the “Bethesda Declaration,” warning that these cuts threaten vital discoveries and could drive researchers abroad. The situation is dire: the University of Texas Medical Branch lost $19 million in antiviral research grants necessary for future pandemic responses. Northwestern faced a freeze on $790 million in federal funding for clinical trials. This reflects a broader dismantling of America's public health infrastructure. Under Secretary RFK Jr., the NIH has become more politicized, fostering a "culture of fear" among staff due to layoffs and purged oversight. Our capacity to handle outbreaks and create new medicines is at risk. We urgently call for legislative and judicial oversight: Congress must investigate these cuts and restore funding, and the court system should protect scientific research from political interference. Transparent governance is essential to safeguard lives and maintain our global leadership.