People hold handmade signs at a Stand up for Science rally protesting the Trump administration’s science policies and federal job cuts on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Chicago.

Nam Y. Huh/AP News

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Nam Y. Huh/AP News

People hold handmade signs at a Stand up for Science rally protesting the Trump administration’s science policies and federal job cuts on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Chicago.

Nam Y. Huh/AP News

In its first 100 days, the Trump administration — and specifically, the Department of Government Efficiency — shuttered agencies and slashed budgets pertaining to foreign aid, scientific research, food safety, and more.

How will this impact people’s health and well-being both in the U.S., and around the world?

To answer that question, we’re calling in our colleagues: global health correspondent Gabrielle Emmanuel and health policy reporter Selena Simmons-Duffin. They break down what cuts to science and health departments have been made, why they matter and what those changes might mean for the future.

Want to hear more about how policy changes affect scientific research and discovery? Let us know by emailing [email protected].

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This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. Maggie Luthar was the audio engineer.