A proposal that would allow the Trump administration to exert direct control over the National Institutes of Health is drawing criticism from some lawmakers and researchers who say it could affect how biomedical research grants are awarded.

Critics argue the change threatens scientific integrity and could put public health at risk by allowing political considerations to influence funding decisions.

"Trump says he's taking over control of the biomedical research grant decisions of NIH, which means that a political agenda, not scientific merit, are going to determine these research grant decisions," Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.

The Trump administration has defended the potential shift, saying it would ensure federal research dollars better align with national priorities.