The Trump administration’s recent suspension of communications at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the cancellation of grant-review meetings is drawing sharp criticism from Maryland lawmakers, who warn of potentially severe consequences for scientific research in the United States.

In a letter sent Monday to the acting director of the Department of Health and Human Services, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Angela D. Alsobrooks, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, all Democrats from Maryland, expressed deep concerns about the administration’s actions.

“We write to express our grave concerns about actions that have taken place in recent days that potentially disrupt lifesaving research being conducted and supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH),” the lawmakers wrote.

“Without quick corrective action, the consequences of further disruption could be disastrous for both medical progress in America and our nation’s overall standing and competitiveness on the world stage.”

Last week, the Trump administration suspended most NIH operations, halting the review of research grants critical to universities and other scientific institutions nationwide.

The NIH, based in Bethesda, Maryland, has an annual budget of more than $47 billion and is a cornerstone of U.S. biomedical research.

However, the suspension has left researchers and institutions in limbo, as many rely on NIH funding to conduct studies and plan future projects.

Scientists have expressed alarm that even a short delay in grant reviews could derail ongoing studies and disrupt the planning process for universities preparing to admit their next cohort of Ph.D. students.

Compounding the issue, the NIH has been prohibited from hiring new staff as part of a broader government-wide effort to purge federal employees perceived as disloyal to Trump’s administration.

The Maryland lawmakers warned that these disruptions threaten to undermine the NIH’s ability to fulfill its mission.

“NIH attracts our nation’s brightest scientists, physicians, health care providers, and other experts, but, with these crippling blows to its mission and without sufficient staff going forward, NIH will be unable to realize its vital mission,” the letter stated.

The NIH has long been a target for some conservative groups that oppose federally funded research on certain issues, including climate change, gender, and human sexuality.

Project 2025, a policy agenda for a potential second Trump administration, includes a proposal to replace NIH’s federal research funding with block grants to states.

Critics argue such a shift would drastically reduce the effectiveness of the agency’s efforts to advance scientific discovery.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), another key government agency responsible for research funding, has also reportedly canceled activities, further alarming scientists and research institutions.

The Maryland lawmakers’ letter highlights concerns that the administration’s actions could have lasting damage not only on the NIH but also on the United States’ leadership in global scientific research.

“NIH’s work is vital not just to America’s health but also to our global competitiveness,” the letter warned.

“Delays or disruptions in its operations risk causing irreparable harm to both.”

The suspension comes as universities and research institutions across the country face mounting uncertainty, with scientists unable to move forward on critical projects.

While the Trump administration has not provided a detailed explanation for the actions, critics fear that continued interference could hinder medical advancements and erode the nation’s position as a leader in scientific research.

As of now, no response has been issued by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Trump administration regarding the concerns raised in the letter.