STAT+: GOP lawmakers push Trump’s FDA to make sure clinical trials are diverse

STAT PlusPolitics GOP lawmakers push Trump’s FDA to make sure clinical trials are diverse Clinical trial diversity has gotten caught up in the Trump administration’s attack on DEI Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJuly 6, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. John Wilkerson[email protected]John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. WASHINGTON — Clinical trial policy got caught up in the Trump administration’s attack on policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Republicans in Congress would like to change that. Days after Trump took office, the Health and Human Services Department began purging all references to DEI from the websites of its agencies. Those efforts were supposed to target DEI initiatives focused on hiring practices, communications, and social issues.Advertisement But supporters of clinical trial diversity say the policy has nothing to do with DEI in that sense. Instead, it aims to ensure that clinical trials enroll people who are similar to the patients who would use the drugs and medical devices being tested. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Clinical trials, Congress, drug development, FDA, Policy, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Matt's Take July 6, 2026 STAT Plus: I spoke to Anthropic’s CEO about how AI may affect biotech. Here’s what I learned D.C. Diagnosis July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: What does DeGette’s loss mean for pharma? Advertisement The Readout July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Roche drug sets new standard for KRAS-driven lung cancer Adam's Biotech Scorecard July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Halfway into the year, biotech is booming Biotech July 2, 2026 STAT Plus: A year after distressed buyout, what’s become of Bluebird Bio? Subscriber Picks