Donald Trump administration has terminated multiple members of the governing board of the National Science Foundation, prompting criticism from scientists, lawmakers, and others concerned about the agency’s independence and future direction.
According to reports cited in the article, members of the National Science Board received notices from the White House Presidential Personnel Office stating that their service was ending immediately. The board plays a significant role in advising the president and helping guide policy and oversight for the NSF, which is one of the primary federal funders of basic scientific research in the United States.
One board member, Marvi Matos Rodriguez, said she learned of her termination while reviewing board-related materials. She had served since 2022. Rodriguez emphasized that six-year board terms are intended to provide continuity and allow members to pursue meaningful long-term initiatives beyond changes in presidential administrations.
The report notes that it remains unclear exactly how many board members were removed or whether replacements have been selected. Neither the White House nor the NSF immediately responded to requests for comment.
The move drew sharp criticism from Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Lofgren argued that the National Science Board is traditionally apolitical and serves an important advisory role independent of partisan politics. She accused the administration of undermining scientific leadership and questioned whether future appointments would be based on loyalty rather than expertise or independence.
The dismissals come amid broader changes at the NSF since Trump returned to office. According to the text, the administration has canceled or suspended nearly 1,400 grants as part of shifting policy priorities. Those grants reportedly account for a substantial portion of federally funded basic research. Critics, including former NSF leaders, have warned that sustained reductions could weaken America’s scientific competitiveness and long-term innovation capacity.
The article also states that the administration’s proposed 2027 budget would cut NSF funding by more than half. An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson reportedly described the reductions as a strategic alignment of resources during a constrained fiscal environment.
Trump has nominated Jim O’Neill to head the agency, though his nomination remains pending before the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
The text concludes by noting concern from public figures outside government, including Bill Nye, who warned that cuts to NSF and NASA science programs could have severe long-term consequences for American research and exploration.
