Six Federal Scientists Run Out by Trump Talk About the Work Left Undone

Summary: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is bleeding its top talent, and it could cost Americans their health. During President Trump's second term, the NIH has lost about 4,400 employees—more than 20% of its workforce. Scientists say they are being pushed out by frozen budgets, political loyalty tests, and executive orders banning "anti-American values" and diversity programs.

This mass exit is halting vital research on cancer, Alzheimer's, the human genome, and addiction (even though tobacco remains the #1 preventable killer). The situation is full of irony: while HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made Lyme disease a major priority, the government's top Lyme disease tick researcher was forced into early retirement because of the administration's roadblocks. With labs sitting empty and experts fleeing—one top biochemical researcher even moved to Mexico and is considering a career in real estate—experts warn the U.S. is losing its spot as the global leader in medical research. If we lose the scientists, we lose the cures.

For more details, see KFF Health News at kffhealthnews.org/news/article/nih-national-institutes-of-health-scientist-exodus-disease-treatments/ (opens in new tab)