Scientists Rally Nationwide Against Trump’s Cuts to Research

7 Mar at 5:04 pm

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Scientists Rally Nationwide Against Trump’s Cuts to Research \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Scientists, doctors, patients, and supporters took to the streets Friday in over 30 U.S. cities to protest the Trump administration’s deep cuts to science and healthcare funding. At the Stand Up for Science rally in Washington, D.C., speakers warned that the administration’s budget slashes and government scientist firings threaten medical breakthroughs, climate research, and public health. The protests, largely organized by young scientists and students, signal growing resistance against what demonstrators call an anti-science agenda.

Scientists Push Back Against Trump’s Policies: Quick Looks

Nationwide Rallies – Protests in over 30 U.S. cities and globally.
Research Cuts Spark Outrage – Scientists condemn budget slashes in climate, healthcare, and medical research.
Bill Nye Challenges Trump Administration – “What are you afraid of?”
Health Risks at Stake – NIH funding cuts could slow progress on Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer.
Patients Speak Out – Cancer survivor: “Science saved my life.”

Deep Look

Scientists, Doctors, and Patients Rally Against Trump’s Science Cuts

In an unprecedented show of resistance, scientists, healthcare workers, and patients flooded the streets Friday in Washington, D.C., and over 30 U.S. cities to protest President Donald Trump’s sweeping cuts to healthcare, climate, and scientific research funding.

The Stand Up for Science rally at the Lincoln Memorial drew a crowd of thousands, including leading scientists, doctors, patients, and politicians.

“This is the most challenging moment I can recall. Science is under siege.” – Michael Mann, Climate Scientist, University of Pennsylvania

Protesters denounced Trump’s proposed funding cuts, which threaten critical medical advancements and stifle scientific innovation.

“We’re looking at the most aggressively anti-science government the United States has ever had.” – Astronomer Phil Plait

Trump Administration’s Anti-Science Moves Spark Backlash

Since taking office, Trump has implemented sweeping changes affecting scientific research and public health:

Massive Budget Cuts – NIH, CDC, and climate research programs face billions in funding reductions.
Government Scientist Firings – Hundreds of researchers dismissed from federal agencies.
Censorship Concerns – Trump aides accused of suppressing research on climate change and public health.
Healthcare Rollbacks – Attacks on gender-affirming care and medical programs for marginalized communities.

Bill Nye, Scientists, and Politicians Call for Action

Renowned science advocate Bill Nye the Science Guy challenged the Trump administration’s attempts to suppress science:

“What are you afraid of?” – Bill Nye

Senator Chris Van Hollen urged Americans to fight back against the administration’s policies:

“Everybody in America should be mad about what we are witnessing.”

Funding Cuts Threaten Medical Breakthroughs

Former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins warned that the cuts jeopardize groundbreaking research on:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Diabetes
Cancer treatments

“It’s a very bad time with all the promise and momentum.” – Francis Collins

Collins, a lifelong advocate for medical research, broke into song with his guitar, calling for a renewed commitment to science.

Patients Speak Out: “Science Saved My Life”

Among the most powerful voices at the rally was Emily Whitehead, a cancer survivor whose life was saved by a cutting-edge treatment developed with federal funding.

“At age 5, I was sent to hospice to die. But CAR T-cell therapy taught my immune system to beat cancer. I have been disease-free for nearly 13 years.” – Emily Whitehead

Her emotional testimony underscored what’s at stake if scientific research is defunded.

Climate Science and Space Exploration at Risk

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson pointed to recent scientific achievements, such as the diversion of an asteroid 7 million miles from Earth, as evidence of why science funding must continue.

Recalling his own experience as an astronaut, Nelson warned that defunding climate research and space programs threatens our ability to understand and protect the planet.

“Looking down at Earth from space, you feel a sense of awe—and a responsibility to be a better steward of what we’ve been given.” – Bill Nelson

Transgender Healthcare and Scientific Censorship

Doctors at the rally also spoke out against the Trump administration’s targeting of transgender healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights.

“As a doctor, I’m standing up for all of my transgender, nonbinary patients who are also being targeted. There’s been a lot of fear and silencing, both among our patients and among all our staff.” – Dr. Cedric Bien-Gund, University of Pennsylvania

His words reflected broader concerns that the administration is not just defunding research but actively suppressing medical knowledge.

Rallies in Over 30 Cities—and Worldwide

Friday’s protests weren’t just in Washington, D.C.—they spread across the country and the world.

Philadelphia: Scientists rallied at City Hall, home to prestigious medical institutions.
New York City: Protesters marched through Midtown Manhattan, demanding funding for research.
San Francisco: Scientists at UCSF and Stanford organized a demonstration.
France: Over 30 solidarity protests took place across the country.

“We’re not just going to stand here and take it.” – Colette Delawalla, Protest Co-Organizer

What’s Next?

Increased Pressure on Congress – Scientists and health advocates will lobby lawmakers to protect research funding.
Legal Challenges Expected – Some groups may file lawsuits to block funding cuts.
More Protests Planned – The scientific community is mobilizing for additional demonstrations.

Conclusion

The Stand Up for Science rally was more than just a protest—it was a nationwide declaration that scientists, doctors, and patients will not stay silent as research funding is slashed.