NIH Employee on Leave After Criticizing Trump Health Policies

November 14, 2025 - 10:04

Dr. Jenna Norton, an employee at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been placed on administrative leave following her vocal criticism of health policies implemented during the Trump administration. Norton gained attention as a significant organizer of “The Bethesda Declaration,” a controversial public letter released in June that directly challenged the NIH's leadership under Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.

In the letter, Norton and her co-signers expressed strong disapproval of the administration’s approach to public health, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The declaration called for a reevaluation of the NIH's strategies and urged for a more science-based approach to health policy.

Norton’s administrative leave has sparked discussions about the implications of government employees speaking out against their administration’s policies. Supporters argue that her actions reflect a commitment to public health and scientific integrity, while critics question the appropriateness of her public dissent. The situation continues to unfold, raising concerns about the balance between professional conduct and the right to free expression within government agencies.