Academic unions plan nationwide demonstration to protest Trump NIH research cuts
The scientific community is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s efforts to slash facilities and administrative costs that are crucial for publicly funded research projects. Academic unions across the country are rallying scientists, researchers, clinicians, academics, and supporters to protest at the Health and Human Services Department building and various universities on Wednesday for a “National Day of Action.”
Trump’s decision to cap these costs at 15% has sparked criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who argue that this spending limit will have a detrimental impact on the country’s leading research capabilities. The discontent has gone beyond online and media platforms, spilling onto the streets with protests outside the HHS building where demonstrators locked arms and chanted, “We are not leaving!”
“We are joining academic unions across the country in a National Day of Action,” reads the RSVP form for the event. The protest aims to demand the administration to rescind the cuts and restrictions on critical research, which are seen as hindering potential treatments and cures from being developed. The move is also seen as diminishing the nation’s global competitiveness in the scientific realm.
Union members from prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland are expected to participate in the demonstrations. Additional protests are planned at Rutgers, the University of Washington, Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Illinois – Chicago, and other locations.
A “Feb. 19 toolkit” included with the advertisement provides guidance on how demonstrators should engage with legislators at congressional offices and public meetings. It also encourages protesters to document the events through photos and videos.
In response to the planned protests, the Metropolitan Police Department has acknowledged the importance of upholding First Amendment rights and ensuring public safety during these events. While the department did not disclose specific operational details, it emphasized its commitment to facilitating peaceful demonstrations.
A federal judge recently issued a temporary restraining order on Trump’s directive, pausing its implementation nationwide. An in-person hearing is scheduled for later this month to further address the matter.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed HHS secretary, shared a post from the National Institutes of Health highlighting the cost savings under Trump’s spending limit. This gesture suggests potential support for the president’s decision to cap indirect facilities and administrative costs.
In addition to the upcoming protests, a “Stand Up For Science 2025” demonstration is being organized for early March. A nationwide movement against Trump’s actions is also mobilizing protesters to gather at every major state capital on Presidents Day.
Amidst the growing dissent, a recent survey of Independent voters revealed a significant disapproval of the Democratic Party’s aggressive attacks on the president. This sentiment underscores the need for a more measured and strategic approach in voicing opposition to Trump’s policies.
