When Cutting Science Is Cutting the Nation Short

On August 21, 2025, the Supreme Court dealt a major blow to U.S. biomedical research, allowing the Trump administration to strip $783 million in NIH grants tied to DEI programs. In a narrow 5-4 decision, the Court overturned a lower-court injunction and redirected challenges to the Court of Federal Claims—delaying relief and sowing uncertainty (AP News; Reuters; Vox).

The consequences go beyond politics. NIH funding underpins everything from COVID vaccines to cancer therapies. Slashing DEI-linked grants jeopardizes vital work on HIV prevention, Alzheimer’s, and mental health research, threatening both equity and scientific rigor (Reuters; The Washington Post).