NIH Vigils Newsletter 11/9/2025

Updates for the Week of November 8

We Are Our Only Hope

Election night brought big wins across the country in the fight against the Trump administration. The people voted loud and clear: Enough is enough. Our voices matter, collective action works. No one is coming to save us. We create our own hope and send the message to political leaders at all levels—on both sides of the aisle—to stay strong in the fight for democracy and American values.

More Aggression Toward Current and Former HHS Staff

Fired probationary staff across the government received a letter stating that they were not terminated based on performance or conduct. The letter also stated that “the corrective order does not change or otherwise affect … your employment status”. This was mandated by a district court that ruled the firings unlawful. Following prior SCOTUS decisions, the district court declined to mandate reinstatement, as determined by the lower courts.

Further Politicization of Federal Hiring

NIH announced vacancies for Clinical Center CEO and six Institute Directors. These positions were announced during a shutdown with very short response time (apply by 11/21) and uncertain process, raising fears they will place more political hacks, as exemplified by the recent NIEHS hire. Furthermore, OPM now requires agencies to form hiring committees of mostly political appointees that will manage hiring decisions and limit one new employee for every four who leave. This would seriously reduce federal workforce capacity, making ongoing operations unsustainable over time.

APHA Rally and March (Nov. 5)

Nearly 1,000 public health advocates, scientists, multiple Senators, and members of federal and state legislatures rallied on the National Mall to protest the administration's health policies and funding cuts. A march followed to HHS HQ to deliver petitions signed by over 100,000 people demanding RFK Jr.’s resignation or impeachment.

Cornell University Settled With the Administration

Cornell has settled with the Trump administration to restore federal funding after agreeing to pay a $30 million fine and invest another $30 million in agricultural programs over three years. Cornell agreed to provide anonymous admissions data, conduct anti-discrimination training for all, and follow the administration’s interpretation of the 2023 Supreme Court decision ending racial considerations in admissions, provided it aligns with judicial rulings.

“Restructuring” the U.S. Department of Agriculture Into Oblivion

The U.S. Dept of Agriculture is restructuring, moving 2,600 jobs out of DC. A similar move during Trump’s first term led to a major staff loss (~75%), loss of expertise, and agency disruptions. Later reports found that the 2019 relocation violated federal law. While the Biden administration partially reversed the decision, much of the impact remained.

ICE Wants to Harvest Biometric and DNA Data, Including for Children

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule to expand its collection of biometrics, such as DNA, iris, and facial scans, from immigration applicants and their U.S. sponsors, citing fraud prevention. This raises privacy and civil liberty concerns for many. Comments on the policy are open until January 2.

Please feel free to share this information with people and groups you think would be interested.

Keep up the good trouble, and stay safe out there.

In solidarity,
NIH Vigils

Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Medical Center Metro Station in front of the NIH Visitors Center.

Accessible parking is available at the Park and Ride. We recommend taking the Metro in. There is ample free parking at Grosvenor/Strathmore station one stop away.