Recent cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget under the Trump administration have sparked a heated debate, with one professor drawing a controversial parallel to Adolf Hitler's approach to science funding. Robert Kuttner, a professor at Brandeis University, argued that even Hitler recognized the importance of supporting scientific research, despite his other egregious actions.

The controversy stems from a new directive mandating a 15% cap on "indirect costs" for NIH grants, covering overhead expenses for facilities and administration. This represents a significant decrease from the historical average of 27-28%, with some exceeding 60%, according to NIH figures. Private foundation grants typically have overhead rates between 0% and 15%.

Kuttner, writing in the American Prospect, acknowledged Hitler's attempts to manipulate science for his own purposes, including eugenics research and the development of more efficient methods for mass killings. However, Kuttner also pointed out that civilian scientific advancements continued in Germany during the Nazi era, citing examples such as the invention of the electron microscope and advancements in pharmaceuticals. He ultimately concluded that Trump's actions are "even more nihilist than Hitler's."

This comparison has drawn criticism and sparked further discussion about the implications of the NIH funding cuts. While Kuttner anticipates potential legal challenges and a possible reversal of the directive, the debate highlights the concerns surrounding the impact on crucial research at universities across the country.

Brandeis University affirmed its support for its faculty's academic freedom and right to express their views, noting its participation in a federal lawsuit challenging the new NIH guidelines. This lawsuit includes several other prominent research universities.

The comparison of Trump to Hitler has emerged in political discourse previously, notably during the 2024 election cycle. This latest instance adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the Trump administration's policies and their potential consequences.