Scores of National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers and employees have recently signed a public letter denouncing the deep cuts in health research proposed by the Trump administration. The letter, known as the “Bethesda Declaration,” criticizes the administration for its harmful policies that are undermining the vital work of the NIH and putting people’s health at risk.
This public display of dissent comes at a time when the NIH is facing significant budget cuts and policy changes that threaten the agency’s ability to carry out critical medical research. The signatories of the letter are expressing their concerns about the detrimental impact these cuts will have on public health and scientific progress.
In the letter, NIH employees highlight the importance of scientific integrity and the need for independent research free from political interference. They argue that the administration’s actions are jeopardizing the nation’s health and well-being by slashing funding for essential research programs and initiatives.
The backlash from NIH scientists and staffers reflects a growing sense of frustration and alarm within the scientific community over the politicization of health research. Many fear that the administration’s budget cuts and policy decisions will have far-reaching consequences for public health and medical advancements in the United States.
As the debate over health research funding continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the NIH and its employees will navigate the challenges posed by the Trump administration’s policies. The Bethesda Declaration serves as a powerful statement of resistance against efforts to undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the NIH’s vital work.
References:
1. US news | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/09/nih-scientists-letter-health-research-cuts
2. AP News: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipwFBVV95cUxQWXZYVGdGWk5JcEd1QzR5ZnlOaFRaNmlObmpCUk1GZVFFT3F0VXppYl96SGhma1p3cktaM01XUnkwbU1sZFhUSENtOGhpUGdiMlJmbU9xVkFpRGhDOW9JRm16a3ZXa1J2ZkpUOGxUZ3pjZnFjTkNwUkY5Ym14RWROT243QW5IUVZuZ1dZZU9oTE5IZGJGWVI2NDNmTXlFYS13dGg4R2FvTQ?oc=5
3. The New York Times: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMieEFVX3lxTE9HYWRBQ1JuYXBXRkppb1dQampaeTltZC1SbkV0eGJVTGRJYWEtTlNRMzBaRDdicU1yRlJKSUcyUFJLU0FvU0NoV0p4ZTVraFdYV2dQMFYtemtacWlIeGgtd3pNa3ZrWUxhMTdEeWVWdlhnbHlxcFZab9IBfkFVX3lxTFBwd0doVjVtVFF2a2NpVDIzQmYxdTZVcDBPVTVEbmJJaEktWmxENmtKcl9WT2c2K3hnT0NBVVQ5MEx6M2kxYmpMVnNzUE94eHFuaWNkVy1aUzAweV9TWlJfUm5rektSZUJDMWZTb0hIZFVTS2NWMXdZWC1LWDlBdw?oc=5
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