Following his inauguration, President Donald Trump implemented a series of executive orders and administrative actions that aimed to reduce federal funding for research and limit the scope of federally supported studies. This included the termination of numerous grants and a reduction in staffing at funding agencies, which has had a profound impact on universities reliant on federal research dollars. In Pittsburgh, these changes resulted in paused Ph.D. admissions, hiring freezes, and layoffs, with an estimated loss of 104 jobs and $24 million in funding in Allegheny County, according to the Science and Community Impacts Mapping Project (SCIMaP).

The cuts have raised concerns among researchers about the implications for academic freedom. Faculty members at institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University expressed that the funding reductions serve as a means to undermine academic independence. The Trump administration has defended its actions as necessary to eliminate what it describes as 'left-wing ideological capture' in higher education.

Miranda Yaver, an assistant public health professor at the University of Pittsburgh, noted that the executive order declaring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives illegal hindered her ability to apply for grants. She indicated that while some researchers might adapt their language to secure funding, her work on health insurance disparities could not be easily reframed. Consequently, she has turned to private foundations for support, but has found limited success.

Jeremy Berg, a former director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), questioned whether the changes in agency priorities were substantive or merely semantic. He highlighted that researchers are still conducting important work but may be forced to alter their language to align with new funding guidelines. This shift has raised concerns that the removal of specific terminology could deter researchers from pursuing critical studies.

Michael Gold, a neurobiology professor at Pitt, described how the NIH requested modifications to a grant aimed at supporting trainees from marginalized groups, which required the removal of references to diversity and equity. He criticized the administration's stance on systemic racism and gender identity, arguing that such restrictions not only threaten academic freedom but also impede valuable research that could benefit society.

Data analysis revealed a 20% decline in NIH grants awarded this year that included keywords related to race, gender, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the University of Pittsburgh experiencing the most significant reduction. Faculty members have expressed frustration over the lack of public statements from university leaders condemning the federal actions, suggesting that the institutions risk losing the trust of their faculty and students if they do not take a stronger stance on academic freedom.