Trump's administration seeks tighter control over NIH grants, prompting backlash from lawmakers. The move, which includes potential executive orders and White House reviews, has raised concerns about politicizing research funding. Congress members, including Republicans, have criticized the effort, warning it undermines the scientific merit-based process for grants.
The administration's proposal, part of a broader effort to exert control over the NIH, includes a rule that would require political appointees to review grants for alignment with presidential priorities. This rule, which is set to be delayed by a continuing resolution, has drawn criticism from lawmakers and research organizations. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the proposal.
Congress members have expressed concern that the proposal could politicize grantmaking, undermining the scientific and merit-based selection process. They have called for the rule to be rejected outright, emphasizing that medical research should not be a partisan issue. The administration's efforts to control NIH grants have been met with significant opposition from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
The administration's actions have also raised concerns about press freedom, with three major news outlets suing the White House over a ban that restricts their access to White House events. The ban, which targets media outlets deemed to publish 'fake news,' has led to the suspension of press pool coverage, further complicating the administration's efforts to control the narrative around NIH grants.