Trump Dismisses National Science Board, Shaking US Research System
According to reports from The Washington Post, The Verge, and other outlets, the Trump administration has dismissed all members of the National Science Board (NSB), the highest oversight and policy-making body of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The board is responsible for setting the direction of national research policy and managing the allocation of federal research funding.
Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) issued a strong condemnation, calling the move “the latest attempt to undermine American science.” She noted that NSB members are appointed with Senate confirmation and possess independent academic judgment, making the unilateral dismissal a serious departure from the traditional governance principles of the US research system.
The National Science Board consists of 24 members spanning disciplines including physics, biology, engineering, and computer science. These members, drawn from top universities and research institutions, are responsible for reviewing major NSF decisions, approving research budgets, and evaluating America’s position in global scientific competition.
Analysts believe the dismissal is directly linked to the administration’s push to reduce federal research spending. In recent years, the government has expressed dissatisfaction with basic science funding, preferring to redirect resources toward applied research and defense technology.
The US scientific community has reacted strongly. Multiple research institutions issued a joint statement warning that the decision could plunge NSF governance into chaos, disrupting ongoing research project approvals and funding disbursements. Some scholars warned that without a functioning NSB, America’s competitiveness in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology could be undermined.
The White House has not yet announced a replacement plan or new nominees for the National Science Board. The scientific community is urging Congress to intervene to ensure the independence and stability of the US research system remains free from political interference.
Sources: The Washington Post, The Verge, House.gov