Millions of dollars in University of Maryland research grants canceled or paused by federal cuts

Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun on Apr 26, 2025

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BALTIMORE — More than 50 University of Maryland grants were canceled or paused by federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, representing “tens of millions of dollars,” a university official confirmed to The Baltimore Sun.

“With over 50 grants impacted and the number fluctuating each day, this represents tens of millions of dollars to our research enterprise,” University President Darryll J. Pines and Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice said in a letter to the campus community, reviewed by The Baltimore Sun.

“We are working with these agencies and our researchers to understand why they were canceled or paused. Explanations range from changes in agency priorities to reductions in budgets and staff.”

Similar challenges are being faced by other universities across the country. Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the federal government for withholding more than $2 billion in funds, alleging the decision was made to “coerce and control” the school.

The University of Maryland said it is assessing its options for appealing the grant terminations and “keeping a keen eye on how these financial losses may impact our staff, faculty and graduate students.” University officials are also communicating with members of Congress to disclose the effect of these funding rescissions.

The university has shared its concerns with other schools in the state’s university system and with national organizations, including the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the Association of American Universities. University officials also said they are closely monitoring changes to federal funding priorities and grant proposal procedures, and are working to keep affected researchers informed about these developments.

In the meantime, the school is encouraging researchers to continue applying for grants from federal agencies as well as other funding sources.

“We are participating in a national effort with organizations representing America’s academic, medical and independent research institutions to develop a new indirect cost funding model,” Pines and Rice said in the letter.

They also addressed the “unlawful termination” of international students’ lawful status in the U.S. earlier this month.

The university confirmed that several people affiliated with the University of Maryland, College Park, unexpectedly lost their lawful status.

“We are disheartened that international individuals at institutions nationwide, including our own at UMD, have experienced the unexpected termination of their lawful status in the U.S.,” the letter said. “The number of impacted individuals continues to fluctuate, with five people part of our community currently working through issues related to recently revoked visas. To protect their privacy, we will not be sharing additional information, but know that we have been in touch with these individuals and are providing tailored support specific to their cases.”

Maryland’s announcement came after developments were reported at other universities.

A Johns Hopkins University spokesperson previously confirmed that 37 students and recent graduates have had their visas revoked by the federal government. Four UMBC students have also had their visas terminated, a spokesperson confirmed.

At least 1,024 students at 160 colleges, universities and university systems have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March, according to a report earlier this month by The Associated Press.

“We will continue to work with our state and federal representatives, peers and legal experts to support our community and uphold our mission and values, and are deeply grateful to all of our Terps for remaining steadfast in support of our research, scholarship and service,” the University of Maryland’s letter said.