Summary

DOGE attempted to fire ICU doctors at the NIH Clinical Center, risking patient safety and prompting backlash from scientists and protesters.

The cuts would have eliminated critical “code blue” cardiac arrest teams, potentially forcing patient airlifts. Protests led DOGE to reverse course and reinstate fired medical staff, lab technicians, and blood bank workers.

However, many senior scientists face unpaid leave as contracts expire, and research is hindered by supply shortages.

Since Elon Musk took control, over 62,000 federal workers have been laid off.