Trump cuts funding for long-term diabetes study

The Trump administration has reportedly cut funding for a long-term diabetes study that has been ongoing for 30 years. This decision follows Donald Trump's campaign promise to promote health and fight chronic diseases. The funding was canceled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which managed financial support for the Diabetes Prevention Program. Researchers are uncertain about the reasons for the cuts. Some speculate it might be linked to a recent withdrawal of $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University. This decision came after the administration claimed the university had not adequately addressed antisemitism on its campus. Since Trump took office, the NIH has experienced multiple budget cuts. Over 1,000 employees were let go, and specific grants were canceled for involving diversity and inclusion initiatives that are now banned. Recently, the White House also instructed the NIH to reduce funding for existing grants, though a court ruling has temporarily blocked this effort. These changes have led to universities putting hiring on hold. Some researchers are finding it difficult to secure positions funded by the NIH. Connor Phillips, a potential candidate at Brown University, expressed concerns about the challenges of taking lower-paying, high-stress jobs in science. The administration is considering further changes that could significantly impact public health. Elon Musk, an advisor in the White House, has made controversial remarks about Social Security and has thought about cutting certain services for seniors. However, he reportedly backed down from this idea after facing media attention.