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Former NIH director speaks out on Trump WH cuts: 'Politically ideological' | CNN

Former NIH Director Francis Collins Warns of Dire Consequences from Proposed Budget Cuts

In a compelling interview aired on CNN, Dr. Francis Collins, the renowned geneticist and former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), delivered a stark warning about the potential ramifications of proposed federal budget cuts to the agency's funding. The discussion, moderated by CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, delved into the intricacies of how such reductions could hamstring America's biomedical research enterprise, potentially setting back progress on critical health challenges for years to come. Collins, who led the NIH from 2009 to 2021 and played a pivotal role in initiatives like the Human Genome Project, emphasized that the NIH is not just a government bureaucracy but the lifeblood of innovation that drives medical breakthroughs benefiting millions worldwide.

The conversation began with an overview of the current fiscal landscape. Collins noted that the proposed cuts, part of a broader federal budget overhaul being debated in Congress, could slash NIH funding by as much as 20% in the coming fiscal year. This comes at a time when the agency is already grappling with inflationary pressures and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We've seen what happens when we invest in science," Collins stated emphatically. "The return on investment is extraordinary—every dollar spent on NIH research generates about $8 in economic value. Cutting now would be like pulling the plug on a machine that's just starting to hum again after a major repair."

Collins drew on his extensive experience to illustrate the human cost of underfunding. He recounted how NIH-supported research has led to transformative advancements, such as the development of mRNA vaccines that were crucial in combating COVID-19. "Without the foundational work funded by NIH over decades, we wouldn't have had those vaccines ready so quickly," he explained. "Imagine if we'd faced that pandemic with a weakened research infrastructure—we might still be in lockdown." He extended this to other areas, like cancer research, where NIH initiatives have contributed to a 30% decline in cancer death rates over the past three decades. Programs like the Cancer Moonshot, which Collins helped champion, rely heavily on sustained funding to accelerate discoveries in immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Delving deeper, Collins addressed the ripple effects on emerging threats. He highlighted the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance, often called the "silent pandemic," where bacteria are evolving faster than our ability to develop new antibiotics. "NIH is funding the lion's share of research into novel antibiotics and diagnostics," he said. "Cuts would mean fewer grants for young scientists working on these problems, potentially leaving us vulnerable to outbreaks that could dwarf COVID in scale." Similarly, in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases, Collins pointed to Alzheimer's research, where NIH-backed studies are uncovering genetic markers and potential therapies. With an aging population, he argued, defunding these efforts would exacerbate the burden on families and the healthcare system, costing trillions in long-term care.

The interview also touched on the economic and workforce implications. Collins stressed that NIH funding supports over 300,000 jobs across the United States, from lab technicians to principal investigators at universities and biotech firms. "This isn't just about white-coated scientists in ivory towers," he quipped. "It's about jobs in every state—manufacturing equipment, analyzing data, even building facilities." He cited examples from his tenure, such as the BRAIN Initiative, which has spurred innovations in neuroscience and created partnerships with private industry, leading to startups and patents that boost the economy. Reducing budgets, he warned, could lead to a brain drain, with top talent fleeing to countries like China or Europe, where research investments are ramping up. "We're at risk of ceding our global leadership in biomedicine," Collins asserted. "Other nations are watching and waiting to fill the void."

Gupta pressed Collins on the political dimensions, asking how to bridge the partisan divide over federal spending. Collins, known for his ability to communicate complex science to policymakers, advocated for a bipartisan approach. He recalled his own experiences testifying before Congress, where he often used personal stories to humanize the stakes. For instance, he shared an anecdote about a young researcher whose NIH grant led to a breakthrough in treating rare genetic disorders, saving the lives of children who otherwise had no hope. "Science transcends politics," he said. "We've seen Republicans and Democrats come together on NIH funding before—think of the 21st Century Cures Act. We need that spirit now more than ever."

Collins didn't shy away from critiquing the short-term thinking that often plagues budget debates. He argued that while immediate fiscal restraint might appeal to deficit hawks, the long-term costs of inaction are far greater. "Investing in health research is like planting a tree," he metaphorized. "You don't see the shade immediately, but future generations will thank you." He pointed to historical precedents, such as the post-World War II era when robust funding for science propelled the U.S. to the forefront of global innovation, leading to everything from the internet to GPS technology—both of which stemmed from government-backed research.

The discussion shifted to equity and access, with Collins emphasizing how NIH cuts could disproportionately affect underserved communities. He noted that the agency funds programs aimed at reducing health disparities, such as those targeting higher rates of diabetes and heart disease in minority populations. "If we cut funding, we're essentially saying that some lives matter less," he said pointedly. Initiatives like the All of Us Research Program, which aims to build a diverse database of a million Americans' health data, could be scaled back, hindering personalized medicine for all.

Wrapping up the interview, Collins issued a call to action, urging viewers to contact their representatives and support advocacy groups like the American Association for the Advancement of Science. "This isn't alarmism; it's reality," he concluded. "The NIH has been the engine of hope for patients, families, and innovators. Let's not dim that light when we need it most." Gupta echoed this sentiment, noting that in an era of rapid technological change and emerging health threats—from climate-related diseases to AI-driven diagnostics—the U.S. cannot afford to retreat.

Throughout the video, interspersed clips showcased NIH-funded labs in action: researchers peering into microscopes, patients sharing recovery stories, and graphs illustrating funding trends. The segment, part of CNN's ongoing coverage of health policy, underscored the urgency of the moment. Collins' measured yet passionate delivery left a lasting impression, reminding audiences that the future of American health hangs in the balance. As debates in Washington intensify, his words serve as a rallying cry for preserving the nation's commitment to scientific progress. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/25/us/video/doctor-francis-collins-nih-cuts-ldn-digvid ]