In his March 4, 2025, State of the Union address, President Donald Trump spoke about fighting cancer. But his administration’s actions tell a different story—one of deep cuts to cancer research and medical funding.
Since returning to office, Trump has slashed $1 billion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gutting medical research funding. These cuts have hit cancer research especially hard, leaving scientists scrambling for resources. Universities and hospitals nationwide are already feeling the strain.
Trump’s push for austerity extends beyond research. In San Antonio, Texas, federal budget cuts have stripped $261 million from medical research institutions. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also attempted to slash $2 billion in healthcare contracts, impacting cancer care and support for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Only after massive backlash did the administration pause the cuts.
Despite Trump’s promises, his policies threaten lifesaving cancer research. The White House may talk about curing cancer, but under Trump, the funding needed to do so is disappearing.
