One good thing the Trump administration might actually do for science

Vox

February 13, 2026

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The Trump administration’s scientific policies have often been criticized as anti-science, but an unexpected shift is emerging in its approach to animal experimentation. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a major funder of biomedical research, has announced plans to prioritize alternative methods over primate testing, reflecting a broader movement away from traditional animal models. This shift gained momentum when the board of Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) voted to negotiate with the NIH on ending experiments at its primate center and transforming it into a sanctuary. While this decision is seen as a potential step toward reducing reliance on primates in research, it has sparked intense debate over the value and ethics of such studies. The OHSU primate center, one of seven federally funded facilities, houses thousands of monkeys used for medical research. However, critics argue that these animals are often poor models for human diseases and that newer technologies like organoids and computational modeling offer more reliable alternatives. The NIH’s push to reduce animal use aligns with growing concerns over ethical issues and the limited effectiveness of primate studies in advancing medicine. Advocates for this change hope it will pave the way for a broader phaseout of primate experimentation, though challenges remain in transitioning research practices. The debate over primate research highlights deeper tensions between scientific progress and ethical considerations. While supporters claim that primates are essential for developing treatments like HIV therapies, opponents argue that their use is increasingly unnecessary and unethical, especially given alternatives. The NIH’s proposal to create a sanctuary for OHSU’s monkeys reflects a broader recognition of the need to address these issues responsibly. This shift could signal a paradigm change in scientific research, moving away from outdated methods toward more humane and effective approaches. Politically, this issue underscores the administration's willingness to challenge established scientific orthodoxies, even if inadvertently. The

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Originally published on Vox on 2/13/2026