Nearly 100 National Institutes of Health scientists have signed a letter condemning deep research cuts under President Trump’s administration, calling them a threat to public health and scientific integrity. The “Bethesda Declaration,” signed by 92 NIH employees and backed by over 250 others, warns that canceling more than 2,000 research grants, worth over $12 billion, has disrupted clinical trials and endangered patient care.
Signatories say they’re speaking out despite fears of retaliation, citing “a growing culture of fear.” They argue the cuts are politically motivated, undermining vital medical research and targeting institutions tied to diversity or academic programs.
Staff from all 27 NIH institutes endorsed the letter, which was sent to agency leadership and members of Congress. While NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya has said scientists are free to express dissent, employees say the administration’s actions contradict those assurances and threaten the future of biomedical research.
