Johns Hopkins University announced Thursday it will eliminate more than 2,000 jobs both in the U.S. and internationally, following the Trump administration’s decision to cancel $800 million in grants. This marks the largest layoff in the university’s history.
The cuts will affect 247 positions in the U.S. and 1,975 positions across 44 countries. The job losses will impact several key departments, including the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the medical school, and Jhpiego, the university’s non-profit focused on international health.
“This is a difficult day for our entire community,” the university said in a statement. “The termination of more than $800 million in USAID funding is now forcing us to wind down critical work both in Baltimore and internationally.”
The Trump administration’s decision to end these grants comes after several moves to reduce the scope of U.S. foreign aid. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) saw more than 80% of its programs canceled following a review by the administration, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In addition to this funding cut, the Trump administration has been investigating over 60 U.S. universities, including Johns Hopkins, over pro-Palestinian protests on campuses. The administration claims some protesters have engaged in antisemitic rhetoric, an accusation the protesters deny. They argue their criticism is directed at Israel’s military actions in Gaza, not at Jewish people.
The Trump administration also recently canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University, and it is seeking the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia.
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