Johns Hopkins University slashes 2,000 jobs after Trump administration grant cut
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The job cuts at Johns Hopkins University will affect 247 domestic US workers for the institution and another 1,975 positions outside the US in 44 countries.
PHOTO: ANDREW MANGUM/NYTIMES
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WASHINGTON – Johns Hopkins University said on March 13 it will slash more than 2,000 jobs in the US and abroad after the administration of President Donald Trump terminated US$800 million (S$1.06 billion) in grants to the renowned academic institution.
It marks the biggest layoff in the university’s history and involves 247 domestic US workers for the academic institution and another 1,975 positions outside the US in 44 countries.
The job cuts impact the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, its medical school and affiliated non-profit for international health, Jhpiego.
“This is a difficult day for our entire community. The termination of more than US$800 million in USAid (US Agency for International Development) funding is now forcing us to wind down critical work here in Baltimore and internationally,” the university said in a statement shared with media.
Since taking office on Jan 20, Mr Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk have attempted to dismantle USAid.
The Trump administration has cancelled more than 80 per cent of all the programmes at USAid following a six-week review, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 10.
In addition to attacks on the US foreign aid agency, the Trump administration is also probing 60 American universities, including Johns Hopkins, over pro-Palestinian protests on campuses.
The Trump administration alleges the protesters are anti-Semitic. Demonstrators deny the allegations and say the US government is conflating their criticism of US ally Israel’s military assault on Gaza with anti-Semitism.
Last week, the US cancelled US$400 million in grants and contracts to New York’s Columbia University.
The Trump administration is also seeking to deport Mr Mahmoud Khalil
