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Monday, July 7, 2025 2:41 AM

Trump administration

WHO Prepares for Life After U.S. Exit Amid Deep Budget Cuts and Donor Shift

As the World Health Organization (WHO) prepares for its annual assembly in Geneva starting May 19, a significant shift looms over the global health body: how to navigate a future without its top financial backer, the United States. The week-long gathering, typically a forum for setting health priorities and policy, approving vaccines, and coordinating international disease responses, is this year overshadowed by the U.S. decision to leave the organization. In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order initiating the year-long withdrawal process on his first day back in office. With the U.S. accounting for roughly 18% of the WHO’s funding, officials are now grappling with how to stretch limited resources. “Our goal is to focus on the high-value stuff,” said Daniel Thornton, WHO’s director of coordinated resource mobilisation. While specifics remain under discussion, internal planning documents seen by Reuters suggest the agency will prioritize its emergency response and medicine approval efforts, while scaling back on training programs and potentially closing offices in high-income countries. Key health guidance on vaccines and diseases such as HIV and obesity is expected to continue. A Western diplomat, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the challenge ahead: “We’ve got to make do with what we have.” WHO staff have already begun budget and personnel cuts in anticipation of the funding shortfall. Though the U.S. remains a member until January 21, 2026, under the legally mandated transition period, signs of a policy reversal are slim. President Trump initially left the door open to rejoining if the organization “clean it up,” but health envoys say no concrete steps have followed. In the meantime, WHO faces an immediate budget gap of $600 million this year, with deeper cuts—up to 21%—expected over the next two years. As the U.S. steps back, China is poised to become the largest contributor of assessed contributions—one of WHO’s key funding streams. China’s share will rise from over 15% to 20% following a 2022 funding restructure. “We have to adapt ourselves to multilateral organisations without the Americans. Life goes on,” said Chen Xu, China’s ambassador to Geneva. The evolving donor landscape has prompted calls for deeper reform. Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, questioned whether the organization still needs its vast array of committees or to publish thousands of documents each year. He added that the transition was forcing a reassessment of operations, including whether WHO should handle routine logistics like fuel purchases during crises. Soni emphasized the urgency of sustaining vital programs amid the funding squeeze, noting that the agency is increasingly turning to philanthropies and the private sector for targeted support. The ELMA Foundation, for instance, recently contributed $2 million to support the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, which includes over 700 labs monitoring infectious disease threats. Alongside pandemic preparedness agreements and an investment round to court new donors, funding will remain the central concern at the Geneva meeting. A WHO manager’s recent request for staff to volunteer as ushers—without extra pay—reflects the broader austerity mindset taking hold. Source: Reuters Photo Credit: Reuters

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Trump Administration Halts Funding for Infant Heart Device Research, Cancels $6.7 Million Grant

A groundbreaking research initiative aimed at saving the lives of infants with serious heart conditions has come to a standstill following the Trump administration’s decision to revoke federal funding. Dr. James Antaki, a biomedical engineering professor at Cornell University, revealed to NBC News that the U.S. Department of Defense abruptly canceled a $6.7 million grant for his ongoing work on PediaFlow—a miniature heart device designed to enhance blood circulation in newborns with congenital heart defects. The grant, officially awarded on March 30, was expected to support the development, testing, and scaled-up production of the PediaFlow device over a four-year period. However, less than two weeks later, on April 8, Dr. Antaki’s lab received a formal stop-work order from the Department of Defense, effectively halting all associated research activities. The decision, which came without any explanation, places more than 30 years of research and progress in serious jeopardy. PediaFlow, which has been in development since 2003, is roughly the size of an AA battery and was designed to support infants with structural heart defects, such as holes between heart chambers. The device temporarily boosts blood flow, helping babies survive until they are eligible for surgery or a heart transplant. The sudden funding cut not only threatens the continuation of the project but may also lead to downsizing in Antaki’s lab. Graduate students involved in the research may be forced to abandon their work and shift focus. “This project feels like my life’s mission,” Antaki shared. “Every week I question if it’s time to walk away, but I can’t justify giving up—not when this device has the potential to save so many lives.” He added that the grant represents a relatively small investment compared to the larger federal budget, but one that could yield significant benefits. Dr. Evan Zahn, a pediatric cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who is not affiliated with the project, called the funding withdrawal a major setback. “There’s an urgent need for technologies developed specifically for infants. Losing support for a project like this is a real tragedy,” he said. The funding cut aligns with broader cost-cutting initiatives from the Trump administration, which aims to streamline federal operations. This decision, however, appears to conflict with the administration’s stated support for family growth and parental welfare. Ironically, while promoting initiatives like a proposed $5,000 “baby bonus” for new parents and considering awards like the “National Medal of Motherhood” for mothers of large families, the administration has pulled support from life-saving pediatric research. Image source: TOI

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Harvard Defies Trump Administration, Faces $2 Billion Federal Funding Freeze

In a high-stakes standoff, the Trump administration has frozen over $2 billion in federal education funds directed at Harvard University after the institution refused to comply with controversial federal demands. These included dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, increasing cooperation with immigration enforcement, and addressing antisemitism on campus through specific federal guidelines. The funding block affects $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts, impacting key research, academic, and student support programs. Harvard President Alan M. Garber firmly rejected the administration’s conditions, calling them an unprecedented violation of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. “The values and direction of Harvard must be determined by our community, not imposed by external political pressure,” Garber stated, according to The Harvard Crimson. Despite the funding loss, Harvard remains resolute. In a campus-wide message, Garber reaffirmed the university’s commitment to inclusive values, academic self-governance, and the protection of intellectual freedom, vowing not to yield to political coercion. The move has ignited a national debate about the federal government’s role in shaping university policy. Unlike Harvard, Columbia University reportedly complied with the federal directives, regaining its funding—but not without campus backlash. The decision has drawn mixed political responses. Republican lawmakers largely support the freeze, citing accountability in publicly funded institutions. Meanwhile, Democrats—including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey—have condemned the decision, praising Harvard for defending its principles. Healthcare institutions are also bracing for fallout. Mass General Brigham CEO Anne Klibanski warned of potential impacts on research collaborations and medical innovation. Observers say the unprecedented standoff could signal a shift in federal-university relations, with broader implications for institutional autonomy and higher education policy in the US. For now, Harvard stands firm—ready to bear the cost of defending its values. Source: TOI

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Trump Administration Initiates Massive Layoffs at HHS, Ends Collective Bargaining

In a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, up to 10,000 employees are set to be laid off following President Donald Trump’s move to strip workers of collective bargaining rights. The restructuring, announced last week, aims to consolidate federal health agencies and reduce the workforce by nearly a quarter. On Tuesday, employees across HHS received dismissal notices, with long lines forming outside the department’s headquarters as workers awaited confirmation of their employment status. Some gathered in coffee shops after being turned away, learning they had lost their jobs after decades of service. At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the cuts coincided with the first day of its new director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. Four directors of NIH’s 27 institutes were placed on administrative leave, while entire communications teams were let go. Some senior staffers were offered possible transfers to the Indian Health Service, with limited time to respond. At the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dozens of employees responsible for regulating drugs and tobacco products were dismissed, including the entire team working on electronic cigarette regulations. The FDA’s tobacco chief was also removed from his position. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which monitors disease outbreaks and public health threats, is set to lose 2,400 employees. Democratic Senator Patty Murray warned that the cuts would weaken the government’s ability to respond to crises, saying, “They may as well be renaming it the Department of Disease.” The layoffs come alongside a broader rollback of federal spending, with HHS pulling back over $11 billion in COVID-19-related funding, leading to additional job losses at state and local health departments. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the restructuring, calling the agency an inefficient “sprawling bureaucracy” with a $1.7 trillion budget that has “failed to improve the health of Americans.” Meanwhile, Trump’s executive order ending collective bargaining for thousands of federal workers has drawn backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who argue it weakens labor protections and limits government accountability. Representatives Gerald Connolly and Bobby Scott criticized the move, stating that it hands more control to Trump adviser Elon Musk to dismantle public service institutions. Breakdown of Job Cuts: 3,500 positions at the FDA 2,400 positions at the CDC 1,200 positions at the NIH 300 positions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services The sweeping changes mark one of the most significant federal workforce reductions in recent history, sparking concerns over the future of public health services in the U.S. Source: Hindustan

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Trump Advisers Consider Plan to Dismantle the Education Department

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing executive actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a move aligned with broader efforts by billionaire Elon Musk and other allies to reduce the federal government’s size and influence. According to sources familiar with the matter, administration officials are exploring the possibility of shutting down functions of the agency that are not explicitly mandated by law or redistributing key responsibilities to other federal departments. Potential Executive Order and Legislative Proposal Officials have discussed an executive order that would eliminate certain operations within the department while simultaneously directing the administration to develop a legislative proposal to fully abolish the agency. While no final decision has been made, the debate within Trump’s inner circle revolves around the extent of the department’s dismantling and the ideal timing for such a move. This consideration aligns with long-standing Republican efforts to reduce federal oversight in education and return greater control to state and local governments. Conservatives have often criticized the Department of Education, arguing that it adds bureaucratic inefficiencies and interferes with decisions that should be handled at the state level. Impact on Education Policy and Federal Oversight If the executive order moves forward, it could fundamentally alter the federal government’s role in education, shifting responsibilities such as student loan management, federal education funding, and enforcement of civil rights protections to other agencies or state governments. Some experts warn that such a move could create disruptions in school funding, particularly for disadvantaged students who rely on federal programs. Critics argue that abolishing or significantly reducing the department’s role could weaken protections for marginalized student groups and diminish federal oversight in areas such as special education, Title IX compliance, and school safety regulations. However, supporters believe it would cut bureaucratic red tape and empower local communities to make education decisions tailored to their needs. A Political and Strategic Decision The debate over dismantling the Education Department is not new. Trump and other conservatives, including former President Ronald Reagan, have previously expressed support for eliminating the agency. However, such a drastic move would likely face significant legal and political challenges, particularly in Congress. The discussions are part of a larger strategy by some in Trump’s orbit to reduce the federal workforce and shift more responsibilities to the states. Musk, a vocal advocate for government downsizing, has publicly criticized the Education Department and similar federal agencies, arguing that they stifle innovation and economic growth. Source: wsj

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Trump Appoints Indian-Origin Covid Critic Jay Bhattacharya as NIH Director

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, an Indian-origin Stanford academic and prominent critic of COVID-19 lockdown policies, as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH, a leading public funder of medical research, manages an annual budget of $47.3 billion and plays a critical role in shaping U.S. health policies. Announcing the appointment, Trump stated that Dr. Bhattacharya, in collaboration with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would lead efforts to restore the NIH’s reputation as the “Gold Standard of Medical Research.” The new leadership aims to tackle America’s pressing health crises, particularly chronic illnesses and diseases. Who is Jay Bhattacharya? Born in Kolkata in 1968, Dr. Bhattacharya is an accomplished scholar with a dual academic foundation: a medical doctorate (1997) and a Ph.D. in economics (2000), both from Stanford University. Currently, he serves as a Professor of Health Policy at Stanford University and directs the Center for Demography and Economics of Health and Aging. Dr. Bhattacharya’s research focuses on the health and economic well-being of vulnerable populations, the impact of government programs, and biomedical innovation. He gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration in October 2020, advocating for targeted protections for high-risk groups rather than widespread lockdowns. A prolific researcher, Dr. Bhattacharya has authored 135 peer-reviewed articles across various fields, including medicine, health policy, and economics. His appointment signals a shift toward addressing systemic health challenges and reevaluating pandemic response strategies in the United States. Dr. Bhattacharya’s nomination marks a significant move, blending innovative health policies with a critical lens on past approaches, as the NIH positions itself to address evolving medical and research challenges. Source: NDTV Photo Credit: NDTV

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Trump Announces Cabinet Picks: Robert Kennedy Jr. for Health, Doug Collins for Veterans Affairs

US President-elect Donald Trump announced a series of high-profile Cabinet nominations on Thursday, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and former Congressman Doug Collins of Georgia as Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Both nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. In his announcement, Trump praised Kennedy, a former Democratic presidential candidate, for his commitment to addressing public health crises caused by industrial food, pharmaceutical companies, and harmful environmental factors. “Kennedy will restore these agencies to gold-standard scientific research and transparency, tackling the chronic disease epidemic to Make America Great and Healthy Again!” Trump stated. Doug Collins, a veteran and current chaplain in the US Air Force Reserve Command, was nominated to lead the VA. Trump highlighted Collins’ military service and dedication to veterans, calling him “a great advocate for our active duty service members, veterans, and their families.” Additionally, Trump announced Jay Clayton as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, citing Clayton’s extensive experience in law, business, and public service, including his tenure as Chair of the SEC. Todd Blanche, recognized for his prosecutorial excellence, was named Deputy Attorney General, tasked with reforming the Justice Department. Dean John Sauer was chosen as Solicitor General, noted for his legal expertise and role in securing a landmark Supreme Court victory for Trump. Sauer, a Rhodes Scholar and Harvard Law graduate, was described as a “masterful appellate attorney” who will champion the administration’s judicial initiatives. Trump expressed confidence in his team’s ability to address national challenges and support the MAGA vision, emphasizing their qualifications and dedication to public service. These appointments signal the administration’s focus on health reform, justice system overhaul, and veterans’ welfare in Trump’s second term. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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