Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant budget cuts and funding terminations at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the Trump administration, highlighting the impact on research and patient health [1][2]. Group 1: NIH Budget Cuts - NIH has faced a termination of 2,100 research funding grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion since January 20, 2021, and a suspension of $2.6 billion in contracts supporting research [1]. - The White House plans to reduce U.S. healthcare spending by over 25% by 2026, with NIH's budget expected to decrease by $18 billion to $27 billion this year, representing a 40% reduction [2]. - The budget for the NIH BRAIN initiative for fiscal year 2025 is set at $320 million, down over $80 million from $400 million in fiscal year 2024, indicating a reduction of approximately 20% [2]. Group 2: Response from the Scientific Community - Over 300 current and former NIH employees, along with more than 40 external scientists including 24 Nobel laureates, signed a letter protesting the funding cuts and urging the restoration of grants that were delayed or terminated for political reasons [1]. - The NIH has established an appeals process for the termination of grants, with hundreds of appeals already submitted [1]. - Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of clinical trials, with reports of participants being abruptly withdrawn from medications and undergoing unmonitored device implants [2].

Group 1 - The NIH has faced significant budget cuts and funding terminations under the Trump administration, with 2,100 research grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion being terminated since January 20, 2021, and an additional $2.6 billion in contracts suspended [1][2] - A letter signed by over 40 external scientists, including 24 Nobel laureates, calls for the restoration of funding that has been delayed or terminated for political reasons and urges the continuation of internationally peer-reviewed research projects [1] - The NIH has established an appeals process for the termination of grants, with hundreds of appeals already submitted by affected researchers [1] Group 2 - The White House plans to reduce U.S. healthcare spending by over 25% by 2026, which includes a $18 billion cut to the NIH budget, bringing it down to $27 billion, a reduction of 40% [2] - The budget for the NIH BRAIN initiative for fiscal year 2025 is set at $320 million, which is over $80 million less than the $400 million allocated for fiscal year 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 20% [2] - Since the appointment of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the NIH has undergone significant restructuring, resulting in nearly 5,000 NIH employees and contractors being laid off [2]