Trump Administration Dismisses Entire National Science Board, Leaving NSF Without Key Advisory Body

The Trump administration has dismissed all members of the National Science Board (NSB), the governing body that advises the president and Congress on the National Science Foundation (NSF), according to multiple sources. The move leaves the NSF—the federal agency that funds foundational research across disciplines—without its primary advisory board at a time when the agency has already faced significant funding constraints and delays in disbursing grants to researchers.

The NSB consists of 24 presidentially appointed members drawn from the scientific and engineering communities, along with NSF's director. The board plays a critical role in setting funding priorities, approving grant awards, and providing bipartisan guidance on science policy. The NSF itself has a long track record of supporting research that produced technologies including MRI machines, cellular phones, and early backing for language-learning platform Duolingo. The agency has recently operated with historically low funding levels, and researchers have reported substantial delays in processing grant applications.

Democratic lawmakers have sharply criticized the dismissals. Representative Zoe Lofgren, ranking Democrat on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, called the decision "the latest stupid move" by the administration. The timing and scope of the dismissals remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether the administration has indicated plans to appoint new members. The removals could limit the NSF's ability to function with informed oversight, particularly as the agency navigates an already strained funding environment. The full implications for federally funded research programs and the scientific community remain to be seen.