Investigation Urged into Hospitals Promoting Political Agendas with Public Funds

FIRST ON FOX: A nonprofit consumer advocacy organization has released a compelling report asserting that several hospitals are prioritizing political agendas over patient care. In light of extensive advertising campaigns targeting ‘woke’ hospitals, Consumers’ Research is calling on federal leaders to investigate these practices.

The recent report, titled ‘Woke Hospitals: Prioritizing Political Interests Over Patient Health,’ identifies five hospitals accused of misusing taxpayer funding to pursue various political, social, and environmental causes. These hospitals include Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Henry Ford Health, Memorial Hermann, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

According to the report, ‘Patients must understand that many nonprofit hospitals are using public funds to push controversial political and social agendas.’ It further highlights that, rather than reducing costs and passing savings onto patients, these institutions are investing resources in programs related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, radical gender ideologies, and climate activism.

Focus on Cleveland Clinic

The accusations against Cleveland Clinic, which has been a focal point of previous reports, underscore a statement from CEO Tom Mihaljevic, who declared that ‘healthcare is only part of our mission.’

Consumers’ Research asserts that this mission includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. According to a 2023 statement from the hospital’s chief diversity officer, these principles ‘must be embedded in everything we do.’

The report provides examples of Cleveland Clinic’s investments in climate initiatives and its provision of transgender care to minors, further suggesting a departure from traditional healthcare priorities.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center Under Scrutiny

The report claims that Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which has faced criticism for concealing some aspects of its DEI agenda, secured $468 million in NIH grants. While it benefits from substantial federal funding, the report suggests the hospital is aggressively promoting a ‘woke’ agenda.

For instance, VUMC’s Emergency Medicine Department reportedly includes a dedicated Diversity, Inclusion & Wellness Office. A January 2025 webinar hosted by the Psychiatry Department addressed ‘The War on DEI,’ highlighting racism, sexism, and nationalism as barriers to achieving DEI objectives.

Additionally, the organization has allegedly provided gender-affirming care to minors, with the nonprofit Do No Harm reporting that VUMC facilitated sex-change treatments for 33 minors since 2019.

Henry Ford Health Faces Allegations

Henry Ford Health is highlighted in the report due to its alleged promotion of a radical DEI agenda. The report cites a formal complaint filed by America First Legal with the Department of Health and Human Services, calling for an investigation.

Furthermore, it points out data indicating that the facility treated at least 63 minors for sex-change procedures, with a subset undergoing surgery. These revelations emphasize ongoing concerns regarding the hospital’s alignment with its healthcare mission.

Critics assert that Memorial Hermann in Texas exemplifies the challenges posed by hospitals engaging in DEI practices that critics argue undermine patient care. The report indicates that while the organization professes a commitment to ‘health equity,’ it has reportedly performed surgical procedures on minors seeking gender transition.

The report posits that Memorial Hermann’s approach to EDI practices is emblematic of a larger trend where hospitals place political motivations above patient needs.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s Controversial Stance

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has been criticized for asserting that DEI principles remain central to its mission. The report details its historical role in providing transgender surgeries, claiming it was the first hospital in the country to do so.

As public discussions around gender identity and children’s healthcare intensify, the report highlights the hospital’s position on providing access to transition-related care as part of improving mental health for minors.

Responses from the Hospitals

Fox News Digital sought comments from the highlighted hospitals regarding the report’s claims. Responses included a statement from Henry Ford Health asserting compliance with anti-discrimination laws and an emphasis on its commitment to serving diverse communities.

Similarly, representatives from Cleveland Clinic and Vanderbilt University Medical Center both defended the facilities against allegations made in the report, maintaining their adherence to state and federal laws.

In contrast, Memorial Hermann categorically denied allegations of providing pediatric gender-transition treatments, labeling the report as outdated and factually inaccurate.

Taxpayer Funding and Accountability

A major concern raised in the report is how taxpayer dollars are purportedly used to fund ‘woke’ ideologies in these nonprofit hospitals while simultaneously providing executive compensation at high levels.

According to the report, these hospitals often exploit their tax-exempt status and federal funding. Doing so may shift the financial burden of political activism onto taxpayers, diverting funds that could better serve patient care.

The report underscores the importance of hospitals meeting their original community service commitments by ensuring that federal support aligns with patient care rather than political pursuits.

Call for Legislative Action

As part of its advocacy efforts, Consumers’ Research has reached out to federal and state leaders, including President Trump, urging them to probe funding streams of these hospitals. The organization aims to ensure accountability regarding their use of federal dollars in light of the findings.

In an effort to spread awareness, Consumers’ Research has launched a mobile billboard campaign in Washington, D.C. and established a website dedicated to alerting consumers about these hospitals’ activities.

‘Consumers deserve transparency regarding how hospitals utilize taxpayer dollars,’ stated Consumers’ Research Executive Director Will Hild. ‘Our report highlights five nonprofit hospitals that appear to prioritize radical political causes at the expense of essential healthcare services. Every hospital should refocus on their primary mission of providing high-quality patient care.’

This report raises significant questions about the entwining of healthcare and political agendas in nonprofit hospitals across the U.S.