The Trump administration swiftly terminated $1.81 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, including $544 million in unspent funds, as part of a broader initiative to address perceived inefficiencies in federal spending. An analysis published in JAMA, utilizing data from the Department of Health and Human Services, reveals that nearly 700 grants were cut from February 28 to April 8 across 24 NIH institutes. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities suffered the most severe losses, with a 30% funding cut—ten times the average reduction.
President Trump’s budget proposal for the upcoming year aims to eliminate all funding for this institute and reflects a broader reduction in NIH funding, slashing the budget to $27 billion and eliminating gender-focused and climate change-related research. The analysis indicated that while most terminated grants were tied to research projects, about 20% were for early career fellowships and training, with larger grants—often funding extensive clinical trials—being disproportionately affected. This disruption could severely impact ongoing patient care and research initiatives.
Columbia University was hit hardest, experiencing 157 terminated grants. The university has faced criticism from the administration for its handling of protests against Jewish students, which has contributed to funding cuts. In response, Columbia officials are seeking to restore research activities related to affected federal grants, but acknowledge the intense financial strain the terminations impose. Overall, the analysis highlights the extensive and varied implications of grant terminations on both public and private institutions involved in critical health research.
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