NIH Faces New Layoffs: 200 Jobs Cut, Including National Cancer Institute Staff

The federal government is once again downsizing its research workforce, with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announcing a second round of unexpected layoffs. According to CBS News, which cited interviews with both current and recently terminated employees, approximately 200 positions will be cut, including 50 at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). One laid-off worker expressed shock at the sudden nature of the layoffs, stating, "We thought the worst was behind us, and we were transitioning into this new phase, but the rug was just pulled out from underneath us." These recent cuts come after a series of dramatic changes initiated by the White House since Donald Trump's return to the presidency. Guided by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, and overseen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has lost about 10,000 jobs in the past few months. The NIH alone has seen 1,200 positions eliminated, despite earlier assurances that no further layoffs would occur. The administration has also proposed substantial budget cuts, aiming to revoke billions in federal research and public health funding promised by the previous administration. However, these cuts are currently under legal challenge by states and organizations that stand to be significantly impacted. The situation has been riddled with confusion and mismanagement. High-ranking officials, including Secretary Kennedy Jr., appear to have been unaware of significant funding cuts. Additionally, the administration has attempted to rehire some staff members whose roles were deemed too crucial to dismantle, leading to the need for offsetting additional layoffs. According to CBS News sources, the firings are intended to balance out the rehires, ensuring that the NIH still meets its mandated layoff targets. The latest round of layoffs at the NCI primarily affects the Office of Communications and Public Liaison. These employees are essential for maintaining communication between the public, healthcare professionals, and the NIH's various programs. Among their responsibilities is the management of the NCI’s Cancer Information Service, a vital resource that provides answers to cancer-related inquiries. The NCI has already experienced the loss of 150 employees in other departments, including those responsible for outside contracting and human resources. The broader consequences of these actions are likely to be severe. President Trump's proposed budget calls for a 40% reduction in NIH funding, along with a major restructuring that aims to eliminate or consolidate most of the NIH’s divisions. Such deep cuts are poised to cause widespread harm to public health initiatives and have already sparked concerns among the scientific community. This week, the European Union (EU) announced a $555 million initiative designed to attract U.S.-based scientists to Europe. The EU’s move is partly motivated by the perceived instability and hostility toward government-led science under the Trump administration. If these trends continue, the United States could face a significant brain drain, with many of its top scientists seeking opportunities elsewhere. The cumulative effect of these policies could undermine the country’s position as a global leader in scientific research. Given the current trajectory, it appears that President Trump may be setting the stage for a long-term decline in the nation's scientific capabilities and contributions to global health.