Democrats’ NIH Windfall Could Rewire Who Benefits

Democrats celebrated a roughly $20 billion increase for the NIH in the law signed by President Trump, but NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plan to redirect a large portion of discretionary funds toward autism research and away from some health-disparity and transgender programs, while shifting more money to red-state institutions by decoupling research and facilities funding and creating a “market for science.” Supporters say the moves aim to improve national health outcomes and address rural needs, but critics warn they could undercut coastal research power and merit-based funding depending on Congress and policy details.