Press Release: 8/27/2026

Governor Healey, Whip Clark, Congresswoman Trahan, Congressman Auchincloss Sound Alarm on Trump’s Research Cuts

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



8/26/2026



Governor Healey, Whip Clark, Congresswoman Trahan, and Congressman Auchincloss pose for a photo



BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and Congressman Jake Auchincloss issued the following statement after meeting today to discuss how to oppose and overcome President Donald Trump’s anti-science agenda.



“Science and medicine are cornerstones of the Massachusetts economy. We are home to world-class research universities and teaching hospitals. Our scientists and entrepreneurs are developing cures, vaccines and therapies for devastating diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. This sector directly and indirectly generates thousands of jobs and more than $16 billion in economic activity in our state. We’re home to one in every 10 research and development jobs in the United States, and R&D jobs directly or indirectly support 40 percent of all wages paid in Massachusetts, with benefits cascading across industries including construction, food services, health care, retail and administrative support. 



“Yet President Trump’s cuts to research funding, politics-over-science posture, and rejection of immigrant talent puts all of that at risk. We’ve seen clinical trials halted and patients left waiting. We’ve seen universities reduce admissions and lay off faculty, while other countries recruit our scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and graduate students.  



“We need action now to protect Massachusetts’ renowned research and innovation economy and the lifesaving discoveries, jobs and economic growth that come with it. We support Governor Healey’s DRIVE Act, which would direct critical state funding to our hospitals, universities, and independent research institutions. This investment will help retain world-class talent, protect jobs across industries and strengthen a key pillar of the Massachusetts economy. 



“But Massachusetts can’t make up for the loss of federal funding alone. We will work together to ensure that federal funding, regulation, and reimbursement policies support biomedical research and innovation.” 



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