‘Complete shock and dismay’: scientists unite against Trump’s $1tn grant attack
Summary
President Donald Trump’s administration proposed a major change to how federal research grants are managed, which could put nearly $1 trillion in funding under political control. This proposal has caused concern and opposition among many scientists and organizations, who fear it will politicize and disrupt important scientific research.Key Facts
- Harvard professor Nancy Krieger’s nearly $1 million NIH grant was canceled unexpectedly.
- The cancellations are linked to an effort led by Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” targeting research on topics like race, gender, and equity.
- The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed a 400-page rule that would overhaul the federal grant process and give political appointees control over $1 trillion in funding by October.
- The proposal covers funding across healthcare, education, social services, and environmental protections—not just research.
- About 95% of nearly half a million public comments oppose the OMB’s proposed rule.
- Senator Tammy Baldwin criticized the proposal, saying it risks public health and safety by politicizing research funding.
- The NIH’s $47 billion budget represents a major part of the $150 billion science and technology funding affected.
- Scientists say the rule could censor research and advance a political agenda over scientific merit.
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