Republican Sen. Susan Collins condemned the Trump administration’s sweeping reductions in scientific research funding as economists warn the cuts could trigger long-term economic decline.
Arcelia Martin reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Trump administration has fired 1,300 National Institutes of Health employees, canceled over $2 billion in research grants, and dismissed scientists working on national climate assessments, among other actions.
- A new American University study projects that a 25% cut to public research and development could shrink U.S. GDP by nearly 4% over 25 to 30 years, with more severe cuts potentially halving annual government revenue growth.
- Lawsuits from universities are challenging the administration’s funding cuts, arguing they jeopardize medical research and future innovation.
Key quote:
“These actions put our leadership in biomedical innovation at real risk and must be reversed.”
— Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
Why this matters:
Government-funded research fills a critical gap that private industry often avoids due to financial risk and uncertain returns. Biomedical breakthroughs, climate change models, and technological innovations typically begin in federally funded labs and universities. Disrupting this pipeline can slow progress on diseases, environmental challenges, and technological competitiveness. The layoffs and grant cancellations also risk a "brain drain," pushing scientists abroad or out of research entirely. The long-term economic damage projected by economists highlights that today's budget cuts could translate into tomorrow's lost jobs, lower living standards, and diminished global influence.
Learn more: Trump blocks funding for science agencies, risking AI and weather research
