As the world grapples with the complexities of public health, it is imperative that we acknowledge the crucial role science plays in shaping our understanding of diseases, their prevention, and treatment. Unfortunately, the current administration has launched a relentless attack on science, leaving far-reaching consequences for the well-being of millions worldwide. In this blog post, we will delve into the findings of Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-Vt.) new report, which exposes the scope of Trump’s assaults on science and their dire impact on public health.
Since January 2025, the Trump administration has engaged in an unprecedented, illegal, and outrageous assault on science and scientists. This attack extends beyond mere denial of scientific truth; it involves a deliberate effort to undermine the very foundations of scientific inquiry. As Senator Sanders aptly puts it, “This is a war we cannot allow Trump to win. Far too many lives are at stake.”
The report reveals that Trump officials have slashed NIH funding by an astonishing $2.7 billion in the first three months of 2025 alone, with a staggering 31 percent cut to cancer research compared to the same period last year. This devastating trend is not limited to cancer research; it affects numerous vital areas of public health, including environmental and disease surveillance, vaccine development, and patient care.
One particularly striking example is the abrupt interruption in clinical care at the NIH Clinical Center, where staff members described a state of “complete chaos” following mass firings. As one doctor lamented, “purging public health agency websites of data” would leave healthcare workers without reliable guidance on how to treat patients. This is not an isolated incident; numerous officials and experts have come forward to share their experiences with the Trump administration’s relentless assault on science.
The report highlights several disturbing trends that threaten the health and well-being of millions:
- Scientific communication restrictions: Multiple officials confirmed that scientific cooperation with the World Health Organization has been severely restricted, hindering global efforts to combat diseases.
- Unnecessary firings: Trump officials have arbitrarily fired critical staff, including those responsible for:
- A division at FDA that helped millions of Americans gain faster access to low-cost generic prescription drugs.
- A team at CDC that supported states responding to environmental health threats like pollution, wildfires, and lead in drinking water.
- Critical staff in NIH’s clinical cell-therapy program, delaying treatment for patients with advanced cancer.
- Misinformation and deception: Trump officials have disseminated false information about the consequences of their actions, such as Elon Musk’s claim that “no one” has died due to foreign aid freezes. In reality, researchers estimate nearly 200,000 people have already perished, and a global vaccine program estimates that 1.2 million children will die because of these cuts.
- Measles outbreak: Trump officials have undermined the crucial role of vaccines in preventing disease during the single largest measles outbreak in over 25 years, with 1,001 cases reported, 126 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths.
As Senator Sanders emphasizes, “Trump’s war on science is not making America healthy again. It is making Americans and people throughout the world sicker.” This assault on science must end; Congress, the scientific community, and the American people must stand up and fight back to protect our collective well-being.
The devastating consequences of Trump’s war on science serve as a stark reminder of the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public health. As we move forward, it is essential that policymakers prioritize science, respect the expertise of federal scientists, and support the critical research.
Sourced from https://www.sanders.senate.gov
Additional Details:
Read the report here.