Story perspectives

NIH Workforce Plummets Amidst Ideological Conflicts and Criticism

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

During U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reduced its workforce from about 21,100 in 2024 to about 17,100, the lowest in two decades.
Marc Ernstoff and Philip Stewart left NIH amid a hostile work environment and bureaucratic hurdles.
Critics argue that the administration's focus on ideological agendas has harmed scientific progress.
Staffing shortages hinder NIH's mission to enhance health, even though the budget remains substantial.

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Story summary

During U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reduced its workforce from about 21,100 in 2024 to about 17,100, the lowest in two decades.
Marc Ernstoff and Philip Stewart left NIH amid a hostile work environment and bureaucratic hurdles.
Critics argue that the administration's focus on ideological agendas has harmed scientific progress.
Staffing shortages hinder NIH's mission to enhance health, even though the budget remains substantial.