Trump fires independent board overseeing National Science Foundation
Summary
President Donald Trump has fired all members of the National Science Board, which advises the National Science Foundation (NSF) on science policy and funding. The board members were notified by email that their positions were terminated immediately, a move that may affect the NSF’s budget and future work.Key Facts
- The National Science Board oversees the NSF, advises the president and Congress, approves funding, and guides NSF’s direction.
- The board usually has 25 members appointed by the president serving six-year terms; all 22 current members were fired.
- The board includes scientists from universities and industry in fields like astronomy, chemistry, and aerospace engineering.
- The board was preparing a report on the state of U.S. science before being dismissed.
- Last year, the Trump administration tried to cut the NSF budget by more than half, but Congress kept the funding.
- The White House said the board’s powers may need updating and that the NSF’s work will continue without interruption.
- Critics warn that without the board’s advice, budget cuts could harm scientific research and training of future scientists.
- The NSF headquarters was recently moved to a smaller building, with another federal agency taking its former space.
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