Johns Hopkins University faces devastating blow as Trump administration slashes $800 million in global health funds, forcing over 2,200 workers, mostly international, out of jobs and shuttering programs across 44 countries.
Key Takeaways
- Johns Hopkins University is eliminating 2,222 positions – 1,975 international and 247 domestic employees – due to an $800 million USAID funding cut.
- The cuts affect the Bloomberg School of Public Health, medical school, and the nonprofit Jhpiego, devastating programs focused on maternal and child health across 44 countries.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed 83% of USAID contracts have been canceled under the Trump administration’s 90-day freeze on foreign aid.
- The funding termination threatens over 600 ongoing clinical trials previously supported by NIH grants.
- The university, Maryland’s largest private employer, is providing at least 60 days’ notice to U.S. employees and compliance with local employment laws for international staff.
Massive Layoffs Hit America’s Premier Medical Institution
In one of the most significant funding cuts to American medical research in recent history, Johns Hopkins University announced this week that it will eliminate 2,222 (mostly international) positions following the Trump administration’s termination of more than $800 million in USAID funding. The layoffs represent the largest workforce reduction in the university’s history and will primarily impact global health initiatives that have been providing critical medical services across the developing world. The cuts affect 1,975 international employees across 44 countries and 247 domestic positions, mostly in Baltimore where the university is headquartered.
The funding termination primarily impacts three university divisions: the prestigious Bloomberg School of Public Health, Hopkins School of Medicine, and Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins-affiliated nonprofit focused on improving health for women and children globally. In addition to the outright layoffs, 107 more employees will be furloughed with reduced schedules – 29 international and 78 U.S. workers. The university cited the Department of Government Efficiency’s decision to halt USAID grants as the direct cause of these widespread cuts.
Johns Hopkins University announces layoffs of over 2,000 workers globally, citing federal aid cuts. The reductions impact 247 U.S. staff and nearly 2,000 positions in 44 countries. Cuts stem from the Trump administration’s 90% reduction in USAID funding.
— Raw Reporting (@Raw_Reporting) March 13, 2025
America First: Redirecting Foreign Aid to Domestic Priorities
The funding cuts align with President Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize domestic spending over foreign aid programs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the administration has canceled 83% of USAID contracts, retaining only 1,000 of the previously funded projects. The administration implemented a 90-day freeze on foreign aid and development funding shortly after taking office, with most USAID programs suspended during this review period. This policy shift represents a fundamental reorientation of American international assistance priorities.
“This is a difficult day for our entire community. The termination of more than $800 million in USAID funding is now forcing us to wind down critical work here in Baltimore and internationally,” Johns Hopkins stated in their official announcement regarding the layoffs.
The university is providing support to affected employees during this transition. “U.S.-based employees are all being given at least 60 days of advance notice before the reductions or furloughs take effect, and we are providing comprehensive support with additional benefits, assistance, and resources to help employees navigate this transition and explore new opportunities. For international employees, we will be complying with local employment laws,” Johns Hopkins explained in their statement.
Broader Pattern of University Funding Scrutiny
The Johns Hopkins funding termination is part of a wider administration initiative examining federal grants to universities. The Education Department recently warned 60 colleges, including Johns Hopkins, about potential loss of federal funding if campuses fail to address antisemitism concerns. The administration has already canceled $400 million in grants for Columbia University over allegations of antisemitism, and is investigating dozens of American universities for similar issues. These funding adjustments reflect the administration’s focus on ensuring that taxpayer dollars support institutions that align with American values.
“Johns Hopkins is immensely proud of the work done by our colleagues in Jhpiego, the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the School of Medicine to care for mothers and infants, fight disease, provide clean drinking water, and advance countless other critical, life-saving efforts around the world,” Johns Hopkins noted in their statement, highlighting the significant humanitarian impact of the now-defunded programs.
The university’s role as Maryland’s largest private employer, contributing to over 93,600 jobs in fiscal year 2022. Although there were only 247 domestic layoffs, hundreds of university affiliates have rallied in Washington, D.C. to protest the funding cuts and resulting layoffs. The Trump administration has maintained its commitment to redirecting foreign aid funding toward domestic priorities.
