Trump's executive order threatens pulse oximeter research funding

In January 2025, in the United States, President Donald Trump made headlines shortly after being sworn in for his second term by signing an executive order that banned initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within federal agencies. This initiative has raised concerns among researchers and health professionals regarding its potential negative impact on efforts to reduce racial disparities in pulse oximeter functionality and accuracy, particularly for patients with darker skin tones. Pulse oximeters, widely used in clinical settings to monitor oxygen levels, have been known to produce less accurate results for individuals with more skin pigment due to how they operate. Dr. Michael Lipnick, an anesthesiologist from the University of California, San Francisco, who specializes in researching the performance of pulse oximeters across different skin tones, expressed serious concerns about the future of research in this area. Historically, a significant portion (around 80%) of his funding has come from federal health agencies. With the new executive order in place, the viability of obtaining new federal funding sources for studies on racial disparities related to pulse oximeters has become uncertain. Dr. Lipnick's team is currently applying for fresh funding while he has relocated to Uganda to establish a new research lab focused on pulse oximeter performance on darker skin tones. In addition to immediate implications for health equity research, the broader concerns echoed historical patterns of segregation in federal civil service, reminiscent of policies enacted during President Woodrow Wilson's administration in 1913. Wilson's administration implemented measures that led to the segregation and marginalization of Black employees in government positions. Experts have noted parallels between Trump's current anti-DEI initiatives and the segregationist policies of the past, indicating a regression in the pursuit of equitable hiring practices within federal agencies. Studies have shown that although Black individuals account for over 18% of federal workers, they only hold 11.7% of senior executive roles. The Trump administration's actions not only potentially harm ongoing research aimed at improving medical device accuracy for diverse populations but also reverberate through the civil service, posing a threat to the future of fair hiring practices. These actions leave many in the field of health equity, like Dr. Theodore Iwashyna from Johns Hopkins, worried about the impact on scientific research dedicated to serving all communities effectively. Moreover, many in the healthcare industry and civil service now face questions about the sustainability of their projects and roles under the newly implemented order.