NIH Staff Protest Grant Cuts, Leadership Actions

More than 300 NIH scientists and staff have signed the 'Bethesda Declaration,' an open letter criticizing Trump administration policies and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya for politicizing research, terminating over 2,100 grants worth about $12 billion, and firing key personnel. The letter warns these disruptions endanger ongoing clinical trials and patient health, while undermining NIH’s scientific mission and U.S. biomedical innovation. It was sent to Bhattacharya, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Congress, as Bhattacharya—known for co-authoring the 'Great Barrington Declaration'—faces bipartisan Senate scrutiny over a proposed 40% NIH budget cut. Senators warn the cut could severely impact research on diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. Bhattacharya has defended his leadership and suggested the protest misrepresents NIH policy. The protest follows earlier staff walkouts and underscores mounting internal resistance to the administration’s approach, with staff risking retaliation to voice concerns.