Fact Check: The National Institutes of Health terminated 2,100 research grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion since President Donald Trump took office in January 2023.

Fact Check: "The National Institutes of Health terminated 2,100 research grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion since President Donald Trump took office in January 2023."

What We Know

The claim states that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) terminated 2,100 research grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion since President Donald Trump took office in January 2023. According to multiple sources, including a recent article by Reuters, the NIH did indeed terminate 2,100 research grants, and the total value of these grants is reported to be around $9.5 billion. However, it is essential to clarify that these terminations occurred during Trump's presidency, which began in January 2017, not January 2023. The NIH has faced scrutiny for these cuts, which have been described as part of a broader shift in research priorities under the Trump administration, particularly affecting studies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives (New York Times).

Analysis

The claim's accuracy hinges on the timeline and context of the grant terminations. While it is true that the NIH terminated 2,100 grants valued at approximately $9.5 billion, the assertion that this occurred since January 2023 is misleading. The NIH's actions began in 2017, and the recent reports reflect ongoing issues rather than new developments in 2023. A federal judge has deemed these terminations illegal, stating that the NIH's actions were discriminatory and violated federal law (NBC News, ABC News). This legal context adds complexity to the claim, as it indicates that the terminations are not merely administrative decisions but are being challenged in court.

The sources reporting on this issue, such as the New York Times and Reuters, are reputable and provide detailed analyses of the implications of these cuts on scientific research. However, the framing of the claim as a recent event (post-January 2023) is inaccurate and misleading.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "The National Institutes of Health terminated 2,100 research grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion since President Donald Trump took office in January 2023" is false. While the NIH did terminate 2,100 grants valued at approximately $9.5 billion, these actions began in 2017, not in January 2023. The claim misrepresents the timeline and context of the grant terminations, leading to a misunderstanding of the situation.

Sources

1. Judge deems Trump's cuts to National Institutes of Health illegal
2. Judge orders NIH to restore hundreds of grants cut under Trump - AAAS
3. NIH scientists speak out over estimated $12 billion in funding cuts
4. Here Are the Nearly 2,500 Medical Research Grants Canceled or Delayed
5. Judge deems Trump's cuts to National Institutes of Health illegal
6. The Scientific Research Lost Amid the Trump Administration's NIH Cuts
7. Federal judge rules Trump directives canceling NIH grants are 'void'
8. Trump officials cutting $1bn in NIH grants is 'void and illegal'