In February 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – which is not a department of the US Govt but an advisory group – announced it implemented significant budget cuts affecting the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), a federal initiative dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by the September 11 attacks. An advisory group which is not an official department of the US government has no authority to make such budget cuts. Numerous lawsuits have been filed challenging DOGE actions. Nevertheless, the announcement by DOGE led to widespread concern among 9/11 survivors, responders, and political leaders.
After weeks of public outcry and bipartisan pressure, the White House intervened to restore the funding, ensuring continued support for cancer research and treatment for first responders and survivors. This decision underscores the long-term health consequences of 9/11, particularly the development of cancers linked to hazardous material exposure, including asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
The World Trade Center Health Program: A Lifeline for Survivors
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 to provide medical care, monitoring, and research for first responders, recovery workers, and survivors. These individuals faced prolonged exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero, leading to severe and often life-threatening illnesses.
The program covers a range of 9/11-related health conditions, including:
- Respiratory diseases like chronic bronchitis and asthma
- Digestive disorders linked to inhaled toxins
- Cancers that developed due to prolonged exposure to hazardous materials
Since its inception, WTCHP has helped over 120,000 individuals. However, maintaining the program requires consistent federal funding to support research, medical staffing, and patient care.
The Hidden Danger of Asbestos and Mesothelioma
One of the most devastating health risks tied to 9/11 is exposure to asbestos, a toxic mineral used in building construction. When the Twin Towers collapsed, asbestos fibers were released into the air, creating a hazardous cloud that blanketed Lower Manhattan. First responders, residents, and workers unknowingly inhaled these fibers, significantly increasing their risk of developing mesothelioma—a rare and aggressive cancer.
How Asbestos Exposure at Ground Zero Led to Mesothelioma Cases
- The Twin Towers contained asbestos insulation, which was pulverized into microscopic fibers.
- First responders and cleanup crews worked without full respiratory protection, inhaling the fibers over extended periods.
- Mesothelioma has a long latency period (20–50 years), meaning cases are still emerging decades after 9/11.
Many 9/11 survivors diagnosed with mesothelioma face limited treatment options and high medical costs. Research funded by the WTCHP is essential for advancing treatment methods and improving survival rates for those affected by asbestos exposure.
DOGE Cuts 9/11 Cancer Research Funding
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), not an official department of the US government but merely an advisory group, was tasked with reducing government spending. DOGE announced it was abruptly cut funding for WTCHP’s cancer research program in early 2025. These budget reductions are unauthorized. Numerous lawsuits have been filed to stop unauthorized DOGE action. The attempted efforts re the 9/11 cancer research directly impacted:
- Ongoing cancer research projects, including studies on mesothelioma and lung disease.
- Medical staffing and operations at hospitals treating 9/11-related illnesses.
- Financial assistance for individuals undergoing treatment for 9/11-related cancers.
Survivors, medical professionals, and advocacy groups immediately condemned the cuts, warning that defunding research would jeopardize future medical advancements and prevent patients from receiving necessary care.
Immediate Fallout: Outrage and Uncertainty
The funding cuts sparked outrage from 9/11 survivors, firefighters, police officers, and lawmakers.
- First responders expressed fear and frustration, as many rely on the WTCHP for life-saving treatments.
- Medical researchers cautioned that defunding studies on 9/11-related cancers, including mesothelioma, could stall progress in treatment development.
- Both Democratic and Republican leaders condemned DOGE’s decision, arguing that the government has a moral responsibility to support 9/11 victims.
Public pressure mounted as advocacy groups organized rallies and petitioned the White House to reverse the funding cuts.
White House Steps In: Reversing the DOGE Cuts
After weeks of intense backlash, the White House announced that it would intervene and restore the lost funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.
- Officials called the cuts “unacceptable” and pledged to ensure continued support for 9/11 survivors.
- Millions of dollars in cancer research funding were reinstated, allowing medical centers to resume critical studies.
- Mesothelioma and asbestos-related research programs received renewed backing, offering hope for those diagnosed with the rare cancer.
The reversal of the unauthorized funding cuts was met with relief from survivors and their families, many of whom feared that losing research funding would mean losing hope for improved treatments.
Why This Decision Matters
Restoring cancer research funding for 9/11 survivors is a significant victory, ensuring that:
- Cancer research, including studies on mesothelioma, continues to develop better treatments.
- Healthcare facilities remain operational, providing uninterrupted care to affected individuals.
- Long-term government support for 9/11-related illnesses is prioritized.
This decision also highlights the power of public advocacy and bipartisan cooperation in shaping government policies that protect those who sacrificed their health in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Support for 9/11 Survivors
While the White House’s intervention reversed the immediate budget cuts, long-term solutions are still needed to protect 9/11 survivors and first responders. Moving forward, policymakers must:
- Secure permanent funding protections to prevent future threats to the WTCHP.
- Expand mesothelioma and asbestos-related research, ensuring continued progress in treatment development.
- Foster bipartisan cooperation to uphold the nation’s commitment to caring for 9/11 survivors and first responders.
