The Trump administration has suspended a $6.7 million federal grant earmarked for a life-saving medical device designed for infants with congenital heart defects. Dr James Antaki, a professor of biomedical engineering at Cornell University, had been developing the PediaFlow device—no larger than an AA battery—to help stabilise newborns by increasing blood flow until they could undergo surgery or receive a heart transplant. The funding was withdrawn just a month after it was approved, reportedly under direction from the administration.
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Antaki, who has spent over 30 years researching paediatric cardiovascular support, said the decision could force him to lay off staff and leave doctoral students without projects. “It’s not my prerogative to give up,” he told NBC News, underscoring his commitment to completing the project. Despite being a small sum in the context of the federal budget, Antaki argues the funding could lead to life-changing advancements in infant care.
Other medical professionals echoed his concerns. Dr Evan Zahn, a paediatric interventional cardiologist not involved in the project, described the loss as a “major blow” to vital technology for children. The suspension comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s closure of the office behind the successful Safe to Sleep campaign, which had previously halved infant mortality rates due to unsafe sleeping practices.
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The cuts are part of a broader strategy to shrink federal programmes, even as the administration has claimed to support growing families. Recent policy ideas floated by the White House include a $5,000 “baby bonus” and a National Medal of Motherhood for women with six or more children. Critics argue that while symbolic gestures are made, essential funding for child health and safety is being withdrawn.
