Johns Hopkins University cuts 2,200 jobs due to foreign aid funding loss
- Johns Hopkins University announced the layoff of over 2,200 employees due to a loss of $800 million in USAID funding.
- The cuts will primarily affect several key programs at the medical school, school of public health, and Jhpiego, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the university.
- This decision marks the largest job cut in university history and raises concerns about the future of critical health projects both in the U.S. and internationally.
In March 2025, Johns Hopkins University, a leading research institution in the United States, announced that it would be laying off more than 2,200 employees as a result of significant cuts to its funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These layoffs mark the largest in the university's history, with approximately 1,975 positions affected in projects across 44 countries, alongside 247 jobs eliminated within the U.S., primarily in Baltimore. This drastic decision stemmed from the Trump administration's initiative to reduce foreign aid and federal research funding. The university has historically relied on federal grants for a substantial portion of its operating budget, particularly funding from USAID, which has been critical for projects related to global health, including initiatives to combat diseases and improve health infrastructures in various countries. The funding cuts and subsequent layoffs not only impact the university's research capabilities but also have broader implications for the Maryland economy since Johns Hopkins is one of the state's largest employers, contributing significantly to local businesses and community initiatives. In addition to the direct layoffs, the situation has fostered concerns about the future of ongoing research projects. For instance, one affected grant was the SMART4TB initiative that had been funded for $200 million to tackle tuberculosis. As a result of these funding cuts under the Trump administration, essential programs that aid in global health efforts, especially for mothers and infants, are facing imminent shutdowns. Various university representatives expressed their disappointment regarding these cuts and highlighted the critical role these programs play in global health. The ramifications are further compounded by the political climate surrounding education and research funding. Johns Hopkins University, known for its commitment to scientific research and public health, is among many institutions navigating these uncertainties. The university and faculty are preparing for the wide-ranging effects of these cuts, which challenge both faculty jobs and essential research that supports a healthier global population.