4 U.S. Medical Journals Accused of Political Bias by Trump DOJ

Medical journals in the U.S. have received letters from the Trump administration’s Department of Justice (DOJ) accusing them of political bias and demanding answers. 

What Happened?

At least four prominent medical journals received letters from Ed Martin, the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

•  CHEST,
• The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM),
• AMA’s JAMA, 
• Obstetrics & Gynecology, a journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The letters accuse the journals of political bias and misinformation, and demand detailed explanations of their editorial practices, particularly regarding the handling of “competing viewpoints” and “misinformation.” Edward R. Martin Jr., the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, wrote in a letter to the journal CHEST, "It has been brought to my attention that more and more journals and publications … are conceding that they are partisans in various scientific debates."

The DOJ set a deadline of May 2, 2025, for journals to respond to a series of questions about,

• Their peer review processes
• Acceptance of dissenting opinions
• Transparency about funding and sponsorship

Key Concerns Raised by the DOJ

• The letters allege that medical journals are partisan and may be suppressing dissenting scientific opinions.
• The DOJ questions whether journals are influenced by funders, advertisers, or government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• The DOJ asks how journals protect the public from misinformation and whether they allow articles that present alternative viewpoints.

Reactions from the Medical Community

• NEJM’s editor, Dr. Eric Rubin, responded: “as practicing physicians, our editors recognize our responsibility to doctors and patients… The Journal actively fosters scholarly scientific dialogue and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting authors, readers, and patients.”
• NEJM stated, “We use rigorous peer review and editorial processes to ensure the objectivity and reliability of the research we publish. We support the editorial independence of medical journals and their First Amendment rights to free expression.”
• The Lancet, a British publication, published an editorial stating, “The Lancet stands with CHEST and the other medical journals that are being intimidated by the Trump administration. The harassment of journals comes amid wider radical dismantling of the USA's scientific infrastructure.”
•  Journals like CHEST have confirmed that their legal counsel is reviewing the DOJ’s requests.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya are both vocal in their disapproval of what they describe as bias in scientific publishing.

Nurse.org will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.

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