April 3, 2025 – NIH genetic counselor tells researchers to alter language and “change ‘race’ to ‘ancestry’” in clinical trials to evade DOGE and secure funding

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“I had to go and look at what was leaked as far as the banned words… and figure out what to suggest and choose,” admitted James Welch, a National Institutes of Health (@NIH) genetic counselor, revealing the extent to which he is coaching researchers to manipulate grant applications in order to bypass federal restrictions.

Welch, who works at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (@NIDDKgov), was caught on hidden camera explaining how he helps principal investigators (PIs) at the NIH adjust their wording to avoid scrutiny from government oversight bodies, including the Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE). “There are banned words that they’re [DOGE] cutting grants for… Two of the words are ‘women’ and ‘female,’” Welch revealed.

Welch detailed how he actively advised a researcher to alter the language in a study on cortisol levels in Black and White women, ensuring it would not trigger red flags in the grant approval process. “Just make it not the primary objective, make it a secondary objective, and change the word ‘race’ to ‘ancestry,’” he advised.

Welch also acknowledged that NIH’s intramural research programs face fewer barriers than extramural projects funded at universities, stating, “We can do it [microdialysis] if we have the money,” highlighting the power NIH insiders wield over approving their own research.

Welch also made comments about purchasing firearms and potential retaliation against individuals at the NIH. “My mom told me today not to shoot anybody because I’ve been buying guns,” he remarked. When pressed about why he was purchasing firearms, Welch responded, “Just thinking about worst-case scenarios and being like, well, why not be prepared?”

OMG has reached out to the NIH for comment regarding Welch’s statements.

“I heard you had a really bad day. You’re about to have a worse day,” James O’Keefe stated, addressing James Welch, a National Institutes of Health (@NIH) official recently caught on hidden camera revealing he counsels researchers to alter language in clinical trial protocols, specifically replacing the term “race” with “ancestry,” to evade @DOGE oversight. “This is you on camera,” revealed O’Keefe.

O’Keefe pressed Welch about his role in modifying terminology, asking if it was deceitful to replace “race” with “ancestry.” Welch denied the claim, repeatedly saying, “I didn’t lie,” affirming that he suggested altering the language “for scientific accuracy.”

As the encounter continued, Welch attempted to flee in his Tesla. Despite appearing eager to disengage, Welch rolled down his window and continued the discussion. “I believe in good science. I believe in protecting the people,” Welch stated. O’Keefe challenged this reasoning, questioning how the alteration could be scientifically accurate. Welch fired back, “I’m an expert. You’re not.”

O’Keefe referenced a text message reportedly sent by Welch to an undercover journalist, in which he described the situation at work as “a bloodbath” with people losing their jobs. Despite the tension, Welch continued to assert that his actions were justified. Welch replied, “I care about people,” adding, “You don’t care about people or their health.”

O’Keefe rebutted, stating, “Of course, we care deeply about people. We want people to know what’s going on in their government.” He concluded by pointing out the common reactions he encounters during such investigations: “They always either run away, assault me, call the police, or say nothing. That was like everything but calling the police right there and assaulting.”