Protesters gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for a “Stand Up for Science” rally, where former NIH Director Francis Collins shocked onlookers by leading the crowd in an awkward sing-along. Critics called the moment “cringe” as Collins strummed his guitar while demanding more taxpayer funding for federal agencies. The rally drew left-wing activists angry over President Trump’s efforts to cut wasteful spending at institutions like the NIH and CDC.
Collins, who once ran the NIH, used the event to push liberal talking points about “censorship” and “diversity” in science. He ignored concerns about biased research and instead blamed Trump for holding bureaucrats accountable. Protesters waved signs attacking conservatives and Elon Musk, who has questioned woke policies in academia. The rally felt more like a partisan pep rally than a serious discussion about responsible budgeting.
Speakers like Bill Nye the “Science Guy” claimed Trump’s policies would harm medical breakthroughs. They failed to mention how years of bloated budgets and DEI mandates have slowed real innovation. Stories about cancer survivors were used to guilt-trip Americans into accepting unchecked spending. Meanwhile, Trump’s reforms aim to prioritize projects that actually help patients instead of funding political pet projects.
The event leaned heavily on emotional appeals, with activists shouting about “climate justice” and “LGBTQ+ rights.” Organizers framed science as a tool for advancing progressive ideology rather than impartial truth. Protests in France and other countries showed this was a coordinated effort by global elites to pressure U.S. policymakers into backing left-wing agendas.
Collins’ musical performance became a laughingstock online, with critics comparing it to out-of-touch celebrity activism. His folksy act distracted from serious questions about why agencies like the NIH spent years downplaying lab-leak theories or pushing divisive identity politics. Conservatives argue real science thrives when free from government overreach and partisan groupthink.
While protesters demanded “reinstatement” of fired federal workers, they ignored why these cuts happened. Trump’s team removed bureaucrats who prioritized woke training over lifesaving research. Taxpayers deserve transparency, not endless bailouts for agencies that lost public trust. The rally’s calls for “diversity” sounded like a push for more radical hires, not merit-based excellence.
The event highlighted the left’s obsession with big government control. Instead of partnering with private innovators, activists want unchecked power for DC elites. Trump’s reforms challenge this monopoly, returning power to states and businesses that drive real-world solutions. Science shouldn’t be a political weapon – it should serve all Americans, not just coastal activists.
As the sing-along ended, it was clear this rally wasn’t about saving science. It was about protecting a broken system that benefits left-wing insiders. Conservatives know true progress comes from freedom, not taxpayer-funded protests. While the left plays guitar, Trump is fixing the mess they created.
