NIH Program Director Placed on Leave Amid Shutdown Fallout

Jenna Norton, a program director at the National Institutes of Health, has been placed on paid leave following the end of the 43-day government shutdown. According to Norton, she was not given a reason for the leave, but she suspects it is related to her public criticism of the Trump administration's policies. In a video posted to TikTok, Norton stated that the notice she received from human resources indicated the leave was "not being done for any disciplinary purpose." However, she expressed her strong suspicion that her outspoken views on the shutdown and its impact on the National Institutes of Health were a contributing factor. "I was not given a reason for being put on leave, but I strongly suspect it is because I have been speaking up in my personal capacity about the harms that I have been witnessing inside the National Institutes of Health," Norton said. Norton is not the only federal employee to have been critical of the Trump administration's handling of the shutdown. Several other employees have spoken out against the administration's policies, citing concerns about the impact on their work and the nation's health. The shutdown, which lasted from December 22 to January 25, 2025, resulted in the furlough of over 800,000 federal employees and caused significant disruptions to government services. The National Institutes of Health, which is responsible for conducting biomedical research and providing health-related services, was particularly affected by the shutdown. Many of its employees were furloughed, and some critical research projects were delayed or suspended. Norton, who has been a vocal critic of the shutdown, has expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of the furloughs and the impact on the nation's health. In response to Norton's comments, a spokesperson for the National Institutes of Health stated that the agency does not comment on personnel matters. However, the spokesperson emphasized the agency's commitment to maintaining a workplace that is free from harassment and intimidation. "The National Institutes of Health is committed to providing a safe and respectful work environment for all employees," the spokesperson said. The placement of Norton on leave has sparked concerns among some federal employees and advocacy groups, who argue that it is an attempt to silence critics of the administration. "This is a clear example of retaliation against an employee who has spoken out against the administration's policies," said a spokesperson for the Federal Employees Union. "We urge the administration to reverse this decision and allow Norton to return to work immediately." As for Norton, she remains on paid leave and has not commented on her next steps. The National Institutes of Health has not indicated when she will return to work or whether she will face any disciplinary action.