Trump Administration Suspends NIH Grants, Threatens Research Nationwide

The Trump administration's recent suspension of operations at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has raised alarms among scientists and lawmakers, as it halts key grant reviews and communications critical to biomedical research. NIH, which holds a budget exceeding $47 billion, is the world's largest public funder of research, and the freeze threatens ongoing studies and the viability of research institutions nationwide. Prominent researchers, including UT Austin's John Wallingford, expressed concern over the economic impact and potential disruptions to lifesaving research, particularly in fields addressing health disparities and infant mortality. A coalition of states is preparing to sue, claiming the administration's actions are unconstitutional. Meanwhile, lawmakers, including Maryland Democrats, are urging immediate corrective action to prevent further harm to medical progress and the United States' global competitiveness in science. The situation reflects broader tensions over federal funding for research, especially as the administration appears to target agencies involved in scientific inquiries related to climate change and social issues.