New Report: Further Cuts to NIH by Trump Admin Threaten to Harm Colorado Economy, Halt Groundbreaking Medical Research

12% cut to NIH budget in Colorado could lead to loss of 837 jobs, $200 million in economic activity

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper highlighted the ongoing threat to scientific research in Colorado following release of the White House's 2027 budget request, which proposes a 12% cut to funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH). A recent report by United for Medical Research, using 2025 data as a baseline, estimates that a 12% cut to the NIH budget in Colorado could result in the loss of 837 jobs and $200 million in economic activity.

"Colorado scientists are on the cutting edge of cancer treatments and novel drugs that save lives. This administration's relentless attacks on science put those breakthroughs and the patients waiting for them in danger," said Hickenlooper. "Congress must fully fund NIH. We need to get this right for patients and for our future."

"Biomedical research remains one of the most powerful drivers of improved health," said Donald Elliman, chancellor of the University of Colorado Anschutz. "Through the University of Colorado's strong partnerships with the NIH, we are unwavering in our commitment to advancing treatments and cures for all Coloradans."

Last year, the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated or paused more than 1,800 NIH grants, halting critical public health research, including for cancer studies and drug trials across the country. The administration also proposed a 15% cap on NIH reimbursements that cover essential overhead costs. In addition, the FY26 White House budget request proposed a 40% cut to NIH funding, which House and Senate appropriators later blocked.

The administration's policies led to major disruptions at top research institutions in Colorado. In total, the administration canceled 53 grants to Colorado institutions, a loss of more than $2 million in funding. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado State University, National Jewish Health, and the University of Denver are among the top NIH grant recipients in the state.

Many of Colorado's NIH grants were later reinstated after federal courts rejected the administration's policies. But the White House's continued efforts to slash NIH funding represent an ongoing threat to groundbreaking medical research.

Full text of the report is available HERE.

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