Trump’s Cuts Bite: Johns Hopkins University Lays Off 2,000 Amid Grant Termination Crisis
Johns Hopkins University has been dealt a severe blow as it faces the largest job reduction in its history, with over 2,000 positions affected worldwide, following the revocation of $800 million in grants by the Trump administration. The move is a direct result of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding being terminated, which will have a significant impact on the university’s Baltimore campus and international projects.
Johns Hopkins University President expressed the difficulty of the situation, stating that the decision marks a “challenging day for our entire community.” The terminated funding will force the closure of critical work in Baltimore and internationally, affecting the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the medical school, and Jhpiego, a non-profit organization focusing on international health initiatives.
This dramatic move comes just weeks after President Donald Trump took office, where he and his ally Elon Musk have been working to dismantle USAID. On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that over 80% of USAID’s programs had been cancelled following a six-week review. The move has sparked widespread concern over the potential impact on international development efforts and global health initiatives.
The Trump administration has also launched an investigation into 60 American universities, including Johns Hopkins, regarding pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. The probes are centered around alleged anti-Semitic protests, although protesters insist that their criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza is being mischaracterized. Additionally, the administration has revoked $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University in New York, while also attempting to deport Palestinian graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who has been involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
The recent layoffs and funding cuts have sent shockwaves through the academic and international communities, sparking concerns over the long-term implications of the Trump administration’s decisions. As the situation continues to unfold, Johns Hopkins University is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of the funding cuts and the potential destruction of critical work in the field of international health and development.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/johns-hopkins-university-to-cut-jobs-trump-9885834/
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Publish Date: 2025-03-14 05:20:00