In a significant show of solidarity, hundreds of current and former federal workers gathered outside the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington on Wednesday. They voiced their concerns over recent job cuts and the potential impacts on public health initiatives, directing much of their frustration towards Elon Musk and ongoing efforts to reduce government spending.
“We have come together today to advocate for the advancement of science, to secure a brighter future for families, and to offer hope to the American populace,” declared cancer researcher Ian Fucci from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He emphasized the importance of NIH-funded research in developing critical medications for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. “Is demolishing years of vital research progress really in service to the American public? Absolutely not,” he insisted.
Despite cold temperatures and light snowfall, protesters raised their voices with chants like “Funding, not freezes” and “Stand up, fight back.” Many held placards that read, “Protect civil servants because they protect you!” and “In science we trust.” The rally was particularly focused on opposing the consequences of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and the confusion stemming from workforce reductions initiated by his agency. One creative sign mocked the department’s acronym, indicating it stood for “Department of Grifting Everything.”
Speaking to the gathered crowd, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland criticized the perceived governmental overreach by Musk. “Are we prepared to put a stop to this unlawful takeover? You bet we are,” he proclaimed. Van Hollen expressed a commitment to challenging these actions through legal channels and congressional efforts, asserting that the usual operations in Congress cannot continue under these circumstances.
Ellen Bak, a researcher who was recently let go from NIH, shared her dismay, stating that her work on stem cells and blood cancer research had been practically obliterated. “Just think about all the resources—time, money, and effort—that have been spent. Is it all wasted now?” she lamented.
Among those present was Jenna McGrew, an 18-year-old student from Florida, who articulated her concerns for her brother, Ethan, who is currently battling a severe bacterial infection in intensive care at the NIH due to a rare autoimmune disease. She highlighted the prevailing “level of uncertainty” at NIH as a serious risk to her brother’s health, illustrating how federal policy changes affect lives directly. “What is happening isn’t only impacting my family; it affects every citizen in America and beyond. NIH stands as one of the world’s finest medical facilities, tasked with monumental research, and slashing their funding has ramifications not just for the United States, but globally as well,” McGrew stated.
The rally occurred in close proximity to the Capitol, where several lawmakers vowed to persist in their fight against the current administration’s policies. Representative Jamie Raskin, representing Maryland, drew parallels between the scientific community’s battle against diseases and the political struggles facing the nation. “These individuals are on the frontlines combating threats to public health,” he noted. He also remarked, “Fascism is another kind of virus,” declaring those braving the elements at the rally as the “antibodies” fighting against such contagious threats.
