Research Under Siege: The Trump Administration's Cuts Threaten Scientific Progress and Economic Stability

The Trump administration's proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal health agencies have sparked outrage among scientists, researchers, and healthcare workers across the country. On February 25, 2025, a rally in Washington, D.C., organized by a collective of unions, drew hundreds of protesters who chanted, "Hands off our research! Hands off our healthcare! Hands off our jobs!" The cuts, which include a cap on indirect costs and layoffs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), threaten to undermine the nation's public health system, stifle scientific discovery, and weaken the economy.

The Impact on Research and Healthcare

The proposed 15% cap on indirect costs for research grants could have severe consequences for universities and research institutions. Indirect costs cover essential operational expenses, such as staff salaries, facility maintenance, utilities, and administrative support, which are crucial for research activities. By capping these costs, institutions may struggle to maintain research programs, leading to budget cuts, reduced research activities, and even the elimination of certain research initiatives. This could result in a loss of valuable scientific discoveries and innovations, as well as broader economic implications.

A study by IMPLAN economist Bjorn Markeson, Ph.D., estimated that the overall economic impact of the loss of indirect funding could result in a $6.1 billion decrease in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), along with a $4.6 billion reduction in labor income, and the loss of over 46,000 jobs nationwide. This could disproportionately affect jobs in research and its supporting sectors, such as software developers, medical scientists, and natural science managers, as well as other industries that indirectly rely on the research economy.

The Threat to Public Health and Global Leadership

The layoffs and cuts to federal health agencies, such as the CDC and FDA, significantly impact the public health system's ability to respond to emerging health threats and maintain global leadership in science and innovation. The loss of expertise and talent, weakened disease surveillance and outbreak response, delayed medical advancements, and weakened pharmaceutical industry all contribute to this decline in competitiveness.

The United States' investment in science and technology has driven 85% of its economic growth since World War II. However, recent cuts to federal health agencies threaten to reverse this progress and undercut America's global competitiveness. Research and development spending as a percentage of GDP has fallen from a high of 1.9% in 1964 to 0.7% in 2021, with the United States ranking 12th worldwide in this metric.

Fighting Back

While the threats to scientific research can be confusing, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has gathered information to help members better understand their own level of risk. This guide describes threats to NIH research funds and includes a Freedom of Information Act request guide for members to use. There is also an interactive map available from United for Medical Research that outlines the economic impact of NIH grants state by state.

On a broader scale, the AFT offers resources on other changes to the higher education landscape on their Defending Higher Education page. Click here for information on everything from Project 2025's impact, to accreditation changes, to talking points to push back on anti-diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

"Your fight is our fight," said AFT President Randi Weingarten and American Association of University Professors President Todd Wolfson in a joint letter to members. "We want you to know that we will fight for you, for our students, for our communities and for higher education. And in turn, we need you to fight with us. Together, the AAUP and the AFT are more than 400,000 strong in higher education, with members in every state. We are teachers, researchers, college staff, graduate workers, postdocs, librarians, engaged community members, parents and students. We are committed to higher education for the common good, and, together, we can build a better future."

In conclusion, the Trump administration's proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health and other federal health agencies threaten to undermine scientific progress, stifle innovation, and weaken the economy. Scientists, researchers, and healthcare workers must join forces to fight back against these cuts and protect the future of healthcare and scientific discovery in the United States.