The past few days have been chaotic for universities across the US. In a significant development, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has announced the largest layoff in its history, cutting more than 2,200 jobs due to deep budget reductions by the Trump administration. As reported by USA Today, Johns Hopkins, the largest recipient of federal research funding and the biggest employer in Maryland, is facing a major financial setback.
The Trump administration has slashed $800 million in grants to the university. These funds, originally provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), have been severely reduced, leading to widespread job losses. According to The Guardian, 247 domestic employees and 1,975 international positions across 44 countries will be affected. The layoffs primarily impacted the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, its medical school, and its affiliated nonprofit for international health, Jhpiego.
Researchers warn that these cuts jeopardize critical studies on childhood diseases, chronic illnesses, and long-term public health initiatives aimed at keeping Americans safe. Meanwhile, Trump has halted certain university research funds, and Congress is considering further reductions to National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, which typically provide around $48 billion annually to 2,500 universities, medical schools, and research institutions, as reported by USA Today.
The announcement of these funding cuts coincided with a rally at the university’s School of Public Health, where hundreds of professors, researchers, and staff gathered in support of “American scientists and science” amid federal layoffs and research funding cuts, The Guardian reported.
Those affected by the layoffs will receive a 60-day advance notice before being furloughed or terminated, according to The Guardian. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday that the Trump administration has canceled over 80% of USAID programs following a six-week review.
Johns Hopkins is not the only university facing difficulties. In another development, the Trump administration announced the immediate withdrawal of $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing the institution’s alleged failure to combat antisemitism. A joint statement from four federal agencies, as reported by BBC, accused Columbia of “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.”
These budget cuts have sparked widespread concern within the academic and research communities, with experts warning of long-term consequences for scientific progress. Many universities are now urging the federal government to reconsider its funding policies to safeguard essential research. As the situation unfolds, affected institutions and employees remain uncertain about their future.
