Impact of U.S. government policies under the Trump administration on radiology and medical research: a survey of international researchers.

Abstract

To assess radiology researchers' perceptions of whether, and to what extent, the political context during the current Trump administration (2025-present) affected their research activities, collaborations, work environment, motivation, mobility, and overall research progress. Corresponding authors who published in the 12 top-ranked general radiology journals in 2024 were invited to complete an anonymized online questionnaire. The survey collected demographic characteristics and insights related to the broader research environment under the current Trump administration (2025-present). Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and ordinal regression analysis was performed to examine associations between participant characteristics and expected research progress. Free-text responses were analyzed qualitatively to identify recurring themes. A total of 176 authors participated. Most respondents were aged 35-44 years (33.0%), male (68.8%), from Europe (55.1%), held a medical doctor degree (71.6%), were full professors (31.3%), and had >10 years of research experience (79.0%). Most U.S.-based participants reported that funding, collaboration, and research motivation were negatively affected by the current Trump administration. Most non-U.S. respondents similarly perceived negative impacts on willingness to work, study, attend conferences, and collaborate with U.S. researchers. Overall, 47.7% anticipated slower research progress and 26.1% much slower progress. Male gender was the only factor associated with more optimistic expectations, with an odds ratio of 2.130 (P = 0.038). Free-text comments emphasized disrupted funding, administrative barriers, safety concerns, and shifts of research opportunities to non-U.S. regions. The current Trump administration is perceived to negatively affect radiology research advancement, funding, collaboration, and researcher motivation.