# Russell Vought to Gain Veto Power Over NIH Grants White House move could politicize biomedical research funding. - **Source:** [Science - Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2934a7f0-6e7c-4735-80bc-d0df37755d40 ## NIH Funding Under Threat The White House is considering an executive order that would grant Russell Vought, head of the Office of Management and Budget, veto power over all NIH grants. This move aims to place funding decisions under political control, potentially altering the landscape of biomedical research funding in the United States. ## Jay Bhattacharya's Resistance Jay Bhattacharya, director of the NIH, reportedly resisted efforts to politicize funding decisions during a contentious White House meeting. Despite his efforts, it appears that the administration is moving forward with plans to centralize control over NIH grants under Vought's authority. ## NIH's Global Impact The NIH is the largest funder of biomedical research globally, with a $47 billion budget that surpasses the combined budgets of the next 10 largest research funders. Its grants support a wide range of activities, from basic biological research to clinical trials, and have been instrumental in the growth of the biotechnology industry. ## Political Control Over Research The proposed executive order would mark a significant shift in how NIH grants are awarded, placing decisions under the control of a political appointee. This could lead to increased scrutiny and potential bias in the allocation of research funds, impacting the independence of scientific research. ## Implications for Academic Researchers Academic researchers at universities, who rely heavily on NIH grants for funding, could face increased uncertainty and politicization of their work. The potential for veto power over individual grants may deter some researchers from pursuing certain lines of inquiry. ## Biotechnology Industry Concerns The biotechnology industry, which has flourished thanks to NIH-funded research, may face challenges if funding decisions become politicized. Changes in grant allocation could disrupt ongoing projects and hinder innovation in the sector. ## Media Confirmation Initial reports from The Washington Post have been confirmed and expanded upon by outlets such as The New York Times and Politico. These reports suggest that the administration is actively drafting the executive order, indicating a high likelihood of its implementation. ## Future of Biomedical Research The potential politicization of NIH grants raises concerns about the future of biomedical research in the United States. The independence and integrity of scientific research could be compromised, with long-term implications for public health and innovation. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/09/trump-planning-to-hand-veto-power-over-nih-grants-to-political-appointee/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._