Johns Hopkins University has announced plans to lay off over 2,000 employees worldwide, citing significant cuts in foreign aid funds under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a statement released on Thursday, the university, based in Baltimore, Maryland, expressed its sorrow over the decision, stating, “This is a difficult day for our entire community. The termination of more than $800 million in USAID funding is now forcing us to wind down critical work.”
The university, known for its leadership in scientific research, is set to eliminate at least 1,975 jobs in projects across 44 countries, as well as 247 positions in the United States. The job cuts are a direct result of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce federal spending, particularly cuts to foreign aid, research, and development funding, with a focus on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Johns Hopkins is among the hardest-hit institutions, as federal funds accounted for nearly half of its funding last year. In early March, university president Ronald Daniels informed students and faculty that the reduction in USAID support would severely impact programs focused on global health, hygiene, and medicine.
The funding cuts have particularly affected the university’s medical school, school of public health, and Jhpiego, a non-profit organization founded over 50 years ago that works to improve health outcomes in countries worldwide. USAID, which is the largest funder of Jhpiego, supports health and emergency programs in approximately 120 countries.
In January, President Trump signed an executive order freezing all U.S. foreign aid to allow time for a reassessment of spending. Critics warn that these cuts will put millions of lives at risk, undermining critical humanitarian and health programs globally.
