Trump Administration Slashes NIH DEI and Research Grants

The Trump administration has enacted an 80% cut to NIH-funded diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) projects, resulting in abrupt cancellations of longstanding grants for underrepresented students, such as $1.3 million in annual DEI grants at UC Davis. In addition, the administration is pursuing a 40% reduction in the NIH's discretionary budget to address the national deficit, sparking bipartisan criticism from Congress and educators. The Office of Management and Budget has required multi-year NIH grants to be fully funded upfront, further limiting new awards. The National Cancer Institute expects to fund just 4% of grant proposals, down from 9%, intensifying competition and threatening essential research. While administration officials argue the changes ensure scientific rigor and fiscal discipline, opponents warn they endanger U.S. biomedical research leadership and opportunities for disadvantaged scientists. Ongoing debates in Congress and the administration have left the future of NIH funding and support for diverse research uncertain.