Governor of Massachusetts warns against brain drain due to GOP science funding cuts
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey warned that President Trump’s attacks on research institutions and funding cuts are driving scientists out of the U.S. and weakening the country’s global leadership in science.
David Cohen reports for POLITICO.
In short:
- Gov. Healey said the Trump administration’s actions — especially against Harvard and the National Institutes of Health — are leading researchers to leave the country, risking U.S. intellectual capital.
- Trump has criticized Harvard for resisting federal mandates, calling the university “a JOKE” and threatening to cut its funding.
- Healey also pointed to broader federal budget cuts affecting education, health care, food assistance, and emergency aid, warning of their impact on state governments.
Key quote:
“Research labs are shutting down, scientists and researchers are leaving the United States and going to other countries to do their work. And essentially, Donald Trump is giving away intellectual assets.”
— Maura Healey, governor of Massachusetts
Why this matters:
Science thrives on stability, funding, and freedom of inquiry — conditions now under threat in the U.S. Cuts to research budgets and political pressure on institutions risk draining the nation's scientific talent pool and curbing its ability to innovate. The departure of researchers to other countries could delay progress in everything from medical breakthroughs to climate research. Universities like Harvard play a key role not just in higher education, but also in global collaboration and technological development. Federal attacks on academic independence could deter international students and scientists from staying or coming to the U.S. Many medical treatments, public health strategies, and clean energy technologies begin in the labs of universities now under fire.
Related: Respected NIH researcher resigns, citing political meddling in food science
