Jenna Norton
@jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
Health Equity Scientist, Bethesda Declaration signer, work at NIH, speak in my personal capacity, photo: AP/Jose Luis Magana
Also on:
https://www.instagram.com/jmnorton
https://www.tiktok.com/@jennajmn
https://linktr.ee/declarationsofdissent
Also on:
https://www.instagram.com/jmnorton
https://www.tiktok.com/@jennajmn
https://linktr.ee/declarationsofdissent
Pinned
"As a federal worker, I am here to tell you that every awful thing that would happen in a shutdown—shuttering programs that Americans rely on, damaging our economy, firing federal workers—all of this is already happening."
youtu.be/jw93RKKreqY?...
youtu.be/jw93RKKreqY?...
Jenna Norton, PhD - (NIH, Bethesda Declaration organizer, mom) *speaking in her personal capacity
YouTube video by Civil Servants Coalition
youtu.be
I was honored to speak up with my colleagues from across the government to demand Congress fight for the American people.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Lots going on but don’t lose track of the Trump attacks on biomedical research and cancer cures.
@jeremymberg.bsky.social posted a leaked #NIH memo today. I want to highlight a few scary parts.
They’re about taking power from scientists and experts and giving it to the president’s hacks. 1/ 🧪
@jeremymberg.bsky.social posted a leaked #NIH memo today. I want to highlight a few scary parts.
They’re about taking power from scientists and experts and giving it to the president’s hacks. 1/ 🧪
November 20, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Lots going on but don’t lose track of the Trump attacks on biomedical research and cancer cures.
@jeremymberg.bsky.social posted a leaked #NIH memo today. I want to highlight a few scary parts.
They’re about taking power from scientists and experts and giving it to the president’s hacks. 1/ 🧪
@jeremymberg.bsky.social posted a leaked #NIH memo today. I want to highlight a few scary parts.
They’re about taking power from scientists and experts and giving it to the president’s hacks. 1/ 🧪
This memo dates shortly after the 8/7 “Improving Oversight of Federal Garntmaking” EO. www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Many took comfort that Institute Directors would continue to make NIH funding decisions. They (except NCI) have been civil servants not politicos.
That seems to be shifting.
Many took comfort that Institute Directors would continue to make NIH funding decisions. They (except NCI) have been civil servants not politicos.
That seems to be shifting.
In August, NIH institute and center directors received this document entitled "Achieving NIH Mission: Leveraging Funding Policies".
1/6
1/6
November 21, 2025 at 1:00 AM
This memo dates shortly after the 8/7 “Improving Oversight of Federal Garntmaking” EO. www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Many took comfort that Institute Directors would continue to make NIH funding decisions. They (except NCI) have been civil servants not politicos.
That seems to be shifting.
Many took comfort that Institute Directors would continue to make NIH funding decisions. They (except NCI) have been civil servants not politicos.
That seems to be shifting.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Since January, I've questioned my purpose. Then I talk with PIs like @sdukehan.bsky.social , and I remember. Then I collaborate with #BethesdaDeclaration people like @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social , and I know it's hard but worth it. We make America great. #NIHStrong #FEDStrong #ClinSTAR2025
Wearing in solidarity with our courageous federal workers who are trying hard to honor their oaths to The Constitution and the good people of our country.
November 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Since January, I've questioned my purpose. Then I talk with PIs like @sdukehan.bsky.social , and I remember. Then I collaborate with #BethesdaDeclaration people like @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social , and I know it's hard but worth it. We make America great. #NIHStrong #FEDStrong #ClinSTAR2025
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Wearing in solidarity with our courageous federal workers who are trying hard to honor their oaths to The Constitution and the good people of our country.
November 20, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Wearing in solidarity with our courageous federal workers who are trying hard to honor their oaths to The Constitution and the good people of our country.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
The CDC website has been “updated” to indicate that
The claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
1/2
The claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
1/2
Autism and Vaccines
Answers to common questions about vaccine safety and autism.
www.cdc.gov
November 20, 2025 at 4:17 AM
The CDC website has been “updated” to indicate that
The claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
1/2
The claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism.
www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safe...
1/2
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Hey fam, @27unihted.bsky.social is having a FUNDRAISER!!
Dec 12 7-11 pm, featuring THREE AWESOME BANDS
@allstrike.bsky.social
@ammoniteband.bsky.social
The Laterals
At Chacho Distilling Co
6031 Kansas Ave, DC
$10 at the door
Psst spread the word
Dec 12 7-11 pm, featuring THREE AWESOME BANDS
@allstrike.bsky.social
@ammoniteband.bsky.social
The Laterals
At Chacho Distilling Co
6031 Kansas Ave, DC
$10 at the door
Psst spread the word
November 19, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Hey fam, @27unihted.bsky.social is having a FUNDRAISER!!
Dec 12 7-11 pm, featuring THREE AWESOME BANDS
@allstrike.bsky.social
@ammoniteband.bsky.social
The Laterals
At Chacho Distilling Co
6031 Kansas Ave, DC
$10 at the door
Psst spread the word
Dec 12 7-11 pm, featuring THREE AWESOME BANDS
@allstrike.bsky.social
@ammoniteband.bsky.social
The Laterals
At Chacho Distilling Co
6031 Kansas Ave, DC
$10 at the door
Psst spread the word
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Between the end of February and mid-August, funding ceased for 383 studies testing treatments for conditions including cancer, heart disease and brain disease. The cuts disproportionately impacted efforts to tackle infectious diseases like the flu, pneumonia and COVID.
apnews.com/article/nih-...
apnews.com/article/nih-...
NIH funding cuts have affected over 74,000 people enrolled in experiments, a new report says
A new report finds over 74,000 people enrolled in experiments have been affected by the National Institutes of Health’s funding cuts.
apnews.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Between the end of February and mid-August, funding ceased for 383 studies testing treatments for conditions including cancer, heart disease and brain disease. The cuts disproportionately impacted efforts to tackle infectious diseases like the flu, pneumonia and COVID.
apnews.com/article/nih-...
apnews.com/article/nih-...
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Unreal, the impact this is having on scientists. I spent over 700 hrs writing 4 grants submitted Apr-Sept that *might* have been funded next Apr; 2 abt to be 3 apps missed review bc of shutdown. In normal times takes 9-24 mo to get a grant funded. No hope for labs like mine. Literally no hope.
While the government was shut down, 379 NIH study section meetings (containing 24,380 grant applications) were postponed. NIH is committed to getting these reviewed, but please be patient and understanding with staff, as this is a complex and heavy lift.
November 13, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Unreal, the impact this is having on scientists. I spent over 700 hrs writing 4 grants submitted Apr-Sept that *might* have been funded next Apr; 2 abt to be 3 apps missed review bc of shutdown. In normal times takes 9-24 mo to get a grant funded. No hope for labs like mine. Literally no hope.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
“If this administration thinks that summarily ousting NIH employees whose only offense is calling on the agency to respect science and academic freedom will go unnoticed, they can think again.”
www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murr...
www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murr...
Senator Murray Slams Outrageous Political Retaliation at NIH, Demands Answers from Trump Administration - Senator Patty Murray
Vice Chair Murray in June to NIH Director Bhattacharya: “You just received a letter signed by hundreds of your own staff who believe this administration’s actions risk breaking NIH and the lifesaving ...
www.murray.senate.gov
November 15, 2025 at 12:04 AM
“If this administration thinks that summarily ousting NIH employees whose only offense is calling on the agency to respect science and academic freedom will go unnoticed, they can think again.”
www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murr...
www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murr...
Reposted by Jenna Norton
While the government was shut down, 379 NIH study section meetings (containing 24,380 grant applications) were postponed. NIH is committed to getting these reviewed, but please be patient and understanding with staff, as this is a complex and heavy lift.
November 13, 2025 at 1:25 PM
While the government was shut down, 379 NIH study section meetings (containing 24,380 grant applications) were postponed. NIH is committed to getting these reviewed, but please be patient and understanding with staff, as this is a complex and heavy lift.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
A note about this quote attributed to an anonymous HHS official.
I have not asked HHS for comment on Jenna's leave status, but I'd be willing to bet good money this came from their comms office.
They have a habit of telling reporters — without any mutual agreement — things on background
I have not asked HHS for comment on Jenna's leave status, but I'd be willing to bet good money this came from their comms office.
They have a habit of telling reporters — without any mutual agreement — things on background
An anonymous HHS official tells @sherylnyt.bsky.social why she was placed on leave:
Norton is "a radical leftist and said she was put on leave because she was criticizing the administration when she was supposed to be working."
(gift link)
Norton is "a radical leftist and said she was put on leave because she was criticizing the administration when she was supposed to be working."
(gift link)
N.I.H. Worker Who Criticized Trump Health Policies Says She Is on Administrative Leave
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
A note about this quote attributed to an anonymous HHS official.
I have not asked HHS for comment on Jenna's leave status, but I'd be willing to bet good money this came from their comms office.
They have a habit of telling reporters — without any mutual agreement — things on background
I have not asked HHS for comment on Jenna's leave status, but I'd be willing to bet good money this came from their comms office.
They have a habit of telling reporters — without any mutual agreement — things on background
Reposted by Jenna Norton
NEW: Jenna Norton, an NIH employee who is openly critical of Trump & RFK Jr, has been put on "non-disciplinary" administrative leave. She says the administration is trying to "scare and silence me." An HHS official, asked to comment, called her a radical leftist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
N.I.H. Worker Who Criticized Trump Health Policies Says She Is on Administrative Leave
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:56 AM
NEW: Jenna Norton, an NIH employee who is openly critical of Trump & RFK Jr, has been put on "non-disciplinary" administrative leave. She says the administration is trying to "scare and silence me." An HHS official, asked to comment, called her a radical leftist.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/u...
Reposted by Jenna Norton
NIH program officer @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social has been placed on admin leave, sources say.
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
November 13, 2025 at 10:04 PM
NIH program officer @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social has been placed on admin leave, sources say.
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
Can confirm. I am okay and more motivated than ever to speak up.
Nothing scares this administration more. Their power lies in our silence.
Nothing scares this administration more. Their power lies in our silence.
NIH program officer @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social has been placed on admin leave, sources say.
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
November 14, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Can confirm. I am okay and more motivated than ever to speak up.
Nothing scares this administration more. Their power lies in our silence.
Nothing scares this administration more. Their power lies in our silence.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
@murray.senate.gov @cantwell.senate.gov please demand that @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social is reinstated! Bethesda Declaration signers were promised they'd not be targeted!
NIH program officer @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social has been placed on admin leave, sources say.
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
November 13, 2025 at 10:11 PM
@murray.senate.gov @cantwell.senate.gov please demand that @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social is reinstated! Bethesda Declaration signers were promised they'd not be targeted!
Reposted by Jenna Norton
@jenna-m-norton.bsky.social is a hero. We owe her a debt of gratitude. bsky.app/profile/dday...
According to a source, Jenna Norton, who led a letter criticizing Trump's decimation of the NIH (see below), has been placed on administrative leave. She's the first at NIH to be put on leave, joining EPA officials who criticized Trump policies.
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
NIH scientists publish letter criticizing Trump's deep cuts in public health research
The letter addresses the termination of 2,100 research grants valued at more than $12 billion and some of the human costs that have resulted, such as cutting off medication regimens to participants in...
www.pbs.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:39 PM
@jenna-m-norton.bsky.social is a hero. We owe her a debt of gratitude. bsky.app/profile/dday...
Reposted by Jenna Norton
I can further confirm that @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social is experiencing retaliation by “Free speech” Jay and the Trump administration.
@standupforscience.bsky.social stands with her and will continue to support public servants who speak out against the harms of this administration.
@standupforscience.bsky.social stands with her and will continue to support public servants who speak out against the harms of this administration.
NIH program officer @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social has been placed on admin leave, sources say.
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
Norton has been outspoken about the Trump administration's dismantling of science, and she signed the Bethesda Declaration.
Bhattacharya has said that "science is dead without free speech".
November 13, 2025 at 11:22 PM
I can further confirm that @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social is experiencing retaliation by “Free speech” Jay and the Trump administration.
@standupforscience.bsky.social stands with her and will continue to support public servants who speak out against the harms of this administration.
@standupforscience.bsky.social stands with her and will continue to support public servants who speak out against the harms of this administration.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
"Trump’s HHS put me on “non-disciplinary” admin leave today. This was retaliation for speaking up. Moves like this are designed to silence us." www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
November 13, 2025 at 11:46 PM
"Trump’s HHS put me on “non-disciplinary” admin leave today. This was retaliation for speaking up. Moves like this are designed to silence us." www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Jenna has been an inspiring colleague I’ve been honored to work alongside this year. It needs to be known after putting us through the longest shutdown (they say in official emails, “democrat-led” like how desperate), on Day 1 back to work they are putting people on admin leave again.
Trump’s HHS put me on “non-disciplinary” admin leave today. This was retaliation for speaking up. Moves like this are designed to silence us. Let’s not let.
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
I guess I am hitting a nerve, because they just put me on admin leave.
TikTok video by Jenna
www.tiktok.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Jenna has been an inspiring colleague I’ve been honored to work alongside this year. It needs to be known after putting us through the longest shutdown (they say in official emails, “democrat-led” like how desperate), on Day 1 back to work they are putting people on admin leave again.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
solidarity with @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
According to a source, Jenna Norton, who led a letter criticizing Trump's decimation of the NIH (see below), has been placed on administrative leave. She's the first at NIH to be put on leave, joining EPA officials who criticized Trump policies.
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
NIH scientists publish letter criticizing Trump's deep cuts in public health research
The letter addresses the termination of 2,100 research grants valued at more than $12 billion and some of the human costs that have resulted, such as cutting off medication regimens to participants in...
www.pbs.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM
solidarity with @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Courage is contagious, and she has been an inspiration to many! It’s time to stand up for @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social!
Trump’s HHS put me on “non-disciplinary” admin leave today. This was retaliation for speaking up. Moves like this are designed to silence us. Let’s not let.
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
I guess I am hitting a nerve, because they just put me on admin leave.
TikTok video by Jenna
www.tiktok.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Courage is contagious, and she has been an inspiration to many! It’s time to stand up for @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social!
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Stand with science, stand up for democracy, stand with Jenna. This is not okay, and this cannot be the norm!
Trump’s HHS put me on “non-disciplinary” admin leave today. This was retaliation for speaking up. Moves like this are designed to silence us. Let’s not let.
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
I guess I am hitting a nerve, because they just put me on admin leave.
TikTok video by Jenna
www.tiktok.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Stand with science, stand up for democracy, stand with Jenna. This is not okay, and this cannot be the norm!
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Thanks for continuing to speak out @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social. We will not be silenced.
Trump’s HHS put me on “non-disciplinary” admin leave today. This was retaliation for speaking up. Moves like this are designed to silence us. Let’s not let.
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
I guess I am hitting a nerve, because they just put me on admin leave.
TikTok video by Jenna
www.tiktok.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Thanks for continuing to speak out @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social. We will not be silenced.
Reposted by Jenna Norton
Today @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social was placed on administrative leave from her position at the NIDDK, NIH. We are extremely concerned and horrified at the actions of this adminstration and the NIH. Dr. Norton has been speaking out in her personal capacity about destruction occurring at the NIH.
🧵🧵🧵
🧵🧵🧵
November 14, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Today @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social was placed on administrative leave from her position at the NIDDK, NIH. We are extremely concerned and horrified at the actions of this adminstration and the NIH. Dr. Norton has been speaking out in her personal capacity about destruction occurring at the NIH.
🧵🧵🧵
🧵🧵🧵
Reposted by Jenna Norton
And now this. A clear violation of free speech.
Jay Bhattacharya likes to talk about censorship, but he doesn’t actually care about censorship or free speech: he just wants to weaponize those principles to censor others. Like @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
Jay Bhattacharya likes to talk about censorship, but he doesn’t actually care about censorship or free speech: he just wants to weaponize those principles to censor others. Like @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
Trump’s HHS put me on “non-disciplinary” admin leave today. This was retaliation for speaking up. Moves like this are designed to silence us. Let’s not let.
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Dteoop/
I guess I am hitting a nerve, because they just put me on admin leave.
TikTok video by Jenna
www.tiktok.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:09 AM
And now this. A clear violation of free speech.
Jay Bhattacharya likes to talk about censorship, but he doesn’t actually care about censorship or free speech: he just wants to weaponize those principles to censor others. Like @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social
Jay Bhattacharya likes to talk about censorship, but he doesn’t actually care about censorship or free speech: he just wants to weaponize those principles to censor others. Like @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social