Trump’s Swift Restrictions on National Institutes of Health: How They Could Impact Health Research and You

Shortly after taking office, the Trump administration launched a series of executive orders that impact science and research. This included withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization. Now, the focus has turned to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the key player in U.S. medical research.

As of August 2024, the NIH’s budget reached an impressive $47.4 billion, mainly directed toward research grants and training. However, Trump’s administration has called for immediate changes, which include canceling important meetings, freezing hiring, and delaying communication until February 1.

The implications of these changes are serious. Many scientists depend on NIH funding for their work. With grant approvals on hold, the lives of approximately 300,000 people across 2,500 institutions are affected.

Jane Liebschutz, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, expressed her disappointment on Bluesky, stating, “All NIH study sections canceled indefinitely. This will halt science and devastate research budgets in universities.” Another NIH employee noted that the overall impact of these orders was distressing.

During Trump’s first term, he frequently criticized the NIH, particularly when his administration struggled to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, which tragically claimed over 400,000 lives in the U.S. His approach highlighted a disconnect between scientific research and political decisions. One notable incident involved Michael Caputo, a Trump health appointee, who reportedly tried to censor scientific findings during the pandemic.

The Silencing Science Tracker documents varied efforts, spanning federal to local levels, to sideline scientific findings. Previous studies suggest that Trump’s presidency changed public perception of science. This created a need for stronger protections against political meddling, an opportunity some feel the Biden administration missed.

Additionally, similar restrictions seem to be affecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), departments crucial for managing health risks and food safety.

In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, acting Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dorothy Fink, noted that communication affecting essential health and safety functions might be restricted. Agencies were advised to seek approval from a Presidential appointee before participating in public speaking engagements.