Trump's first actions: Screen international students, end DEI initiatives and freeze NIH activities

The American Department of Education will dismantle its DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives, it announces on 23/01/2025. This is the result of several executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, who called DEI programmes "dangerous, demeaning and immoral", three days after his inauguration on 20/01/2025.

The new Administration also imposes restrictions on the National Institutes of Health, freezing their activities: Scientists report the impossibility of purchasing supplies needed for their studies, including clinical trials.

The directive was first issued on 21/01/2025 by the acting director of the Department of Health and Human Services, placing a moratorium on the release of any public communication until reviewed by officials appointed or designated by the Trump Administration, according to the American media CNN, quoting an internal memo they obtained.

In Europe, Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary General of Leru, says the administration is on a "dramatic start" by imposing for example the abrupt cancellation of meetings, including grant review panels.

“This kind of…