WASHINGTON - A proposed Trump administration policy to cap National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding could significantly impact medical research across the United States, threatening both healthcare advances and thousands of jobs, according to multiple sources [1][2].

The administration plans to reduce 'indirect cost' reimbursements to research institutions from current rates of up to 50% down to 15%, potentially saving $4 billion annually. However, this proposal faces an ongoing legal challenge, with a federal judge temporarily blocking its implementation [1].

Key impacts of the proposed cuts include:

Potential loss of 58,000 jobs nationwide from reduced NIH fundingDisruption to over 412,000 research-supported positionsReduced access to clinical trials, particularly affecting rural patients

The NIH's current annual budget of $35 billion supports research at universities and hospitals nationwide. In 2023, this funding generated $92 billion in economic activity across all states, according to United for Medical Research data [3].

'These are real expenses, that's the critical point – they are not fluff,' said Neli Ulrich of the University of Utah's Huntsman Cancer Institute, regarding the indirect costs that support research infrastructure [1].

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, nominee for NIH director, addressed these concerns before lawmakers, stating he would work to ensure scientists 'have resources to do the lifesaving work they do' if confirmed [1].

The cuts could particularly impact rural healthcare access. At the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where one-third of patients travel over 150 miles for care, reduced funding could limit access to experimental treatments and clinical trials [1].