Johns Hopkins University Announces Major Job Cuts Following Grant Termination

In a significant move, Johns Hopkins University has announced plans to eliminate over 2,000 positions both domestically and internationally. This decision comes in response to the recent termination of $800 million in grants by the Trump administration, marking the largest layoff in the institution's history.

The layoffs will affect 247 employees within the United States and an additional 1,975 positions across 44 countries. The cuts are primarily concentrated in the university's Bloomberg School of Public Health, its medical school, and the international health non-profit organization, Jhpiego.

The university expressed its deep concern regarding the impact of this funding loss on its operations in Baltimore and abroad, emphasizing the critical nature of the work that will now be curtailed.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has sought to significantly reduce the operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, over 80% of USAID programs have been canceled following a thorough review conducted by the administration. This has raised alarms about the future of various initiatives that rely on federal funding.

In a related development, the Trump administration is scrutinizing multiple American universities, including Johns Hopkins, due to alleged antisemitic behavior associated with pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. The administration's stance has been met with resistance, as demonstrators assert that their actions are rooted in political critique rather than prejudice.

Additionally, last week, the administration withdrew $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University as part of this broader funding reevaluation.

As the university navigates this challenging situation, the implications of these job cuts may resonate through various sectors reliant on the institution's research and public health initiatives.