Johns Hopkins University announced Thursday it will cut over 2,000 jobs globally after the Trump administration terminated $800 million in USAID grants. This marks the largest layoff in the university’s history, affecting 247 workers in the U.S. and 1,975 abroad across 44 countries.
The budget cuts impact the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, its medical school, and its nonprofit global health affiliate, Jhpiego. “This is a difficult day for our entire community,” the university stated, citing the abrupt loss of USAID funding as the reason for shutting down key domestic and international programs.
Since taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk have sought to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Monday that the administration had canceled more than 80% of USAID programs following a six-week review.
Beyond cutting foreign aid, the Trump administration is also investigating 60 American universities, including Johns Hopkins, over pro-Palestinian protests. Officials claim these demonstrations promote antisemitism, while protestors argue the U.S. is conflating criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza with antisemitism.
Last week, the administration revoked $400 million in funding from Columbia University. Additionally, officials are pushing to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student who has been active in Columbia’s protests.
The funding cuts and university investigations mark a significant shift in U.S. education and foreign policy, sparking concerns about academic freedom and international aid.