Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny Over NIH Funding Cuts

Lawmakers from both parties criticized the White House for halting cancer research funding. The Trump administration violated the law by stopping NIH grants, according to a federal watchdog. This was the fifth time the Government Accountability Office faulted the administration for budget changes against Congress. The NIH awarded $8 billion less for research than the previous year.

The administration defended its actions, citing a "transition" period. Officials didn't answer detailed questions about canceled grants. The White House Office of Management and Budget director acknowledged a review of NIH spending, criticizing "waste." Cuts affected health programs, including the NIH, which canceled over 1,800 grants. Grant review notices were also paused, delaying funds.

Ethics officials concluded the administration violated the law by withholding funds. The watchdog was aware of a pause on grants, later reversed. Leading Democrats urged the White House to stop interrupting funding, warning of damage to research.

The accountability office has opened numerous investigations into fund impoundment. The White House denies the charges and has criticized the office. The office can sue to release funds, but considers it a last resort.