Trump surrenders in the war on cancer - Angry Bear
angrybearblog.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 9:55:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Uncategorized
When my mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, she was given a chemotherapy that had proven so effective at the time that they couldn't predict how much longer it would extend her life since not enough people had died yet.
Progress in the war on cancer in the last 20 years has been amazing. Innovations like CAR-T cells and mRNA vaccines are the culmination of years of painstaking research and are finally finding their way into clinics and patients.
But in his petulant war on universities, Trump is calling a halt to this life-saving progress:
"THE NEWS CAME ON JULY 31, when the Trump administration informed UCLA it was suspending roughly 800 research grants that, together, are worth more than $500 million. The freeze has already disrupted operations, Shackelford told me, leaving him (and countless other UCLA researchers) scrambling to figure out how to stretch their budgets or quickly find outside funding.
"Shackelford said his team has had a series of recent breakthroughs on imaging, including one that could lead to a publishable paper by year's end -- and, just maybe, some clinical trials in the first few months after that. But the longer the freeze stays in place, he said, the more likely he will have to slow down the studies, downsize the laboratory's operations or even shut down the project altogether.
"As it is, he noted, the time he's spending on funding questions is time he can't spend on the research itself. "What keeps me up at night is that we have some great momentum going and now it's being halted," Shackelford said.
"Trump's move against UCLA is the latest in a series of funding suspensions that have targeted individual schools like Columbia, which eventually won back some of its funding with a $200 million settlement paid to the government, and Harvard, which is reportedly negotiating a deal involving a promise to spend $500 million. Trump has told UCLA it will have to pony up $1 billion if it wants a restoration of its funds, according to the New York Times.
"And Trump hasn't simply been using federal research funds as leverage against individual institutions. He's also been wrecking the entire government apparatus for supporting scientific research -- by purging senior leaders and career staff at the National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies, and canceling or withholding hundreds of millions (and probably billions) of dollars in previously awarded grants.
"There may be more to come. Trump's budget for next year calls for reducing NIH funding by 37 percent, and reducing funds for the National Cancer Institute (which is a division of NIH) by the same magnitude. "If implemented," the American Cancer Society Action Network warned, "these cuts will deal a devastating blow to cancer patients and their families, and the United States could lose its global competitive edge in biomedical research."
Click the link for details on the kind of research Trump is killing.
The US used to be the world's leader in biomedical research. Trump aims to change that.
Trump cuts will kill cancer research and patients
Sign Our PetitionThe recent news surrounding the Trump administration's suspension of significant research funding at institutions like UCLA has profound implications, especially in the context of ongoing battles against diseases like cancer. The decision to freeze approximately $500 million in grants not only jeopardizes individual research projects but also threatens the collective progress made in cancer research and treatment over the last two decades. Innovations such as CAR-T cell therapy and mRNA vaccines represent the culmination of years of dedicated research and community investment in science. Yet, such advancements now hang in the balance due to political maneuvering that prioritizes punitive measures over public health and scientific integrity.
Historically, the war on cancer has been a unifying issue that transcends political divides. The National Cancer Act of 1971 marked a significant commitment by the U.S. government to fight this devastating disease, catalyzing research funding and collaborative efforts across institutions. This commitment has been crucial in developing effective treatments and therapies that have saved countless lives. However, the current freeze on funding reflects a departure from this bipartisan legacy, as the Trump administration appears more focused on wielding scientific funding as a tool for political leverage rather than as a means to enhance public welfare. This trend is alarming, as it raises questions about the future of scientific independence and the integrity of research in the face of political agendas.
Moreover, the consequences of cutting NIH and National Cancer Institute funding are dire. A 37 percent reduction in resources not only stifles research but also sends a chilling message to researchers, who may feel compelled to prioritize funding concerns over groundbreaking scientific inquiries. The American Cancer Society Action Network has warned that such cuts could significantly impact cancer patients and their families, exacerbating health disparities that already exist within the healthcare system. Low-income and marginalized communities, who often bear the brunt of healthcare inequities, may find themselves particularly vulnerable as a result of these political actions. This situation serves as a stark reminder that healthcare is a social justice issue, one that should take precedence over political rivalry.
The broader implications of these funding suspensions extend beyond cancer research; they signal a troubling trend of undermining scientific authority and expertise. By purging leadership at the NIH and other critical research agencies, the Trump administration has not only disrupted ongoing projects but has also jeopardized the United States' status as a leader in global biomedical research. This loss of standing could have long-lasting effects, as international collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential in addressing global health challenges. As scientific inquiry continues to be undermined by political agendas, it becomes crucial for advocates to emphasize the importance of preserving the autonomy of research institutions.
In conclusion, the ongoing war on cancer is a testament to the power of science and research in effecting positive change in society. The recent funding freezes not only threaten to stall this progress but also reveal a larger pattern of political interference in scientific endeavors. As citizens and advocates, it is our responsibility to hold our leaders accountable, demand transparency in funding allocation, and support policies that prioritize public health over political posturing. By connecting the dots between funding, healthcare access, and social equity, we can create a compelling narrative that underscores the urgency of investing in research and the importance of protecting it from political machinations. It is time to rally around evidence-based policy and advocate for a future where scientific progress is free from the whims of political agendas.
The recent developments in the ongoing funding crisis for cancer research, particularly as outlined in the recent article about the Trump administration's suspension of key grants to institutions like UCLA, highlight a troubling trend in how federal support for scientific inquiry is being politicized. The implications of this funding freeze extend beyond the immediate impact on research teams and institutions; they threaten to undermine decades of progress in the battle against cancer and other diseases. This is not merely a fiscal issue but a moral one, as we face the heart-wrenching reality of families like that of the article's author, who have dealt with a cancer diagnosis and relied on the advancements made possible by secure and sustained research funding.
Historically, the U.S. has been a leader in biomedical research, largely due to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government agencies that have consistently funded groundbreaking studies. The advancements in cancer treatment—like CAR-T cell therapy and mRNA vaccines, which have shown promise not only in treating cancer but also in combating diseases like COVID-19—were not accidental; they were the result of long-term commitment to scientific research backed by federal funding. The current administration’s tactical withdrawal of support from these institutions represents a significant deviation from this historical commitment to public health and scientific integrity.
The political ramifications of such decisions cannot be overstated. By leveraging federal funding as a means to exert control over universities and their research agendas, the Trump administration essentially sends a clear message: academic freedom and scientific inquiry must bend to the will of political interests. This sets a dangerous precedent that could stifle innovation and discourage young scientists from entering fields that require extensive research funding. As we reflect on the political climate, it is essential to recognize that the future of scientific research in the United States hangs in the balance, and the consequence of this turmoil is borne by patients and families who are in desperate need of effective medical solutions.
So, what can we as concerned citizens do in response to this alarming trend? First and foremost, advocating for increased public awareness of the importance of sustained funding for scientific research is crucial. Engaging in dialogue with friends, family, and community members about the implications of funding cuts can help foster a collective understanding of how these policies affect the health and well-being of all Americans. Additionally, attending town hall meetings, writing to elected officials, and utilizing social media platforms to raise awareness can amplify our voices in demanding accountability and transparency in governmental funding decisions.
Moreover, we can actively support organizations and initiatives that promote scientific research funding and advocate for the needs of cancer patients and their families. Joining or donating to groups such as the American Cancer Society or the National Institutes of Health is one way to contribute to the ongoing fight for research funding. These organizations often have structured advocacy campaigns that allow individuals to participate directly in lobbying efforts to restore and enhance funding for vital health research. Together, through informed advocacy and community engagement, we can push back against the forces that threaten to undermine both our public health and the institutions that support it, ensuring that the war on cancer continues with vigor and support.
The article raises critical concerns about the potential setbacks in cancer research funding due to the actions taken by the Trump administration, highlighting the detrimental impact on both scientific progress and patient care. Here’s a detailed list of actionable steps we can take as individuals to advocate for the continuation and expansion of cancer research funding.
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Advocate for Increased Funding**: - Write to your local and state representatives urging them to support increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute.
2. **Support Research Institutions**: - Contribute to or volunteer at local cancer research organizations or hospitals that are conducting crucial research.
3. **Raise Awareness**: - Host or participate in community events to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research funding.
4. **Engage in Policy Discussions**: - Attend town hall meetings and public forums to discuss the implications of funding cuts and advocate for science-based policies.
5. **Utilize Social Media**: - Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share information about the importance of cancer research funding and encourage others to take action.
### Exact Actions We Can Take
1. **Write to Elected Officials**: - **Who to write to**: - Your U.S. Senators and Representative. - **How to find them**: - Visit [www.congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov) and enter your zip code to find your representatives.
- **Example Addresses** (for illustration): - **Senator [Name]** - [Senate Office Address] - Washington, D.C. 20510 - **Representative [Name]** - [House Office Address] - Washington, D.C. 20515
- **What to say**: - Express your concerns about the current state of cancer research funding, emphasizing the impact on patients and the importance of maintaining and increasing NIH and National Cancer Institute budgets. Mention personal stories related to cancer to make your appeal more compelling.
2. **Sign and Share Petitions**: - **Petitions to consider**: - "Save Our NIH Funding" on Change.org or similar platforms. - **Where to find**: - Search for cancer research funding petitions on websites like [Change.org](https://www.change.org), [Care2](https://www.care2.com), or [MoveOn](https://www.moveon.org). - **Action**: - Sign the petition and share it on social media to gather more support.
3. **Join Advocacy Organizations**: - Get involved with organizations dedicated to cancer research advocacy such as: - **American Cancer Society Action Network (ACS CAN)**: Join their advocacy network to receive alerts on issues and participate in campaigns. - Email: info@acscan.org - Website: [www.acscan.org](https://www.acscan.org)
4. **Participate in Local Events**: - Look for local fundraising events or awareness campaigns hosted by cancer research organizations. Examples include: - Relay For Life events by the American Cancer Society. - Local cancer awareness runs/walks.
5. **Contact Local Media**: - Write op-eds or letters to the editor about the importance of cancer research funding in your local newspaper. - **Example**: - Contact your local newspaper (check their website for submission guidelines) and share your perspective on how funding cuts threaten progress in cancer research.
### Conclusion
The fight for cancer research funding is crucial, and every action counts. By advocating for increased funding, supporting local research efforts, raising awareness, and engaging in policy discussions, we can collectively push back against these detrimental funding cuts and ensure that scientific progress continues. Your voice matters, and together we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.