In 2020, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiated a network of 10 centers aimed at enhancing understanding and response to emerging infectious diseases, including Ebola and hantaviruses. However, funding for these centers was cut in 2025 by the Trump administration, which deemed the network ineffective and a poor use of taxpayer dollars. As a result, the centers were unable to assist during recent outbreaks, highlighting a significant gap in the nation's preparedness for infectious disease threats. The NIH had allocated $82 million over five years to the program, yet $14.9 million remained unspent at the time of the cuts. Researchers associated with the network have expressed concern that the funding reductions have weakened crucial relationships with international experts, developed over years, which are essential for effective outbreak response and the development of diagnostics and treatments. This situation raises questions about the future of the U.S. response to infectious disease outbreaks and the potential consequences of diminished research capacity.