Washington D.C. – Former President Donald Trump on Friday, April 25, 2026, dismissed all 24 members of the National Science Board (NSB), the independent body that oversees the National Science Foundation (NSF) and advises the President and Congress on science and engineering policy. Members received an email from the Presidential Personnel Office stating, "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I'm writing to inform you that your position as a member of the National Science Board is terminated, effective immediately."
The National Science Board, established by the NSF Act of 1950, is designed to be a non-partisan advisory body. Its 24 members, alongside the NSF Director, serve staggered six-year terms, a structure intended to ensure continuity and focus on long-term scientific priorities across different administrations. This sudden termination of all members is considered an unprecedented move, breaking decades of established practice.
The NSF plays a crucial role in funding basic research across various scientific and engineering fields, with an annual budget of approximately $9 billion. Its historical support has been instrumental in the development of numerous innovations that impact daily life, including technologies such as MRIs, cellphones, and LASIK eye surgery, as highlighted by journalist Lena Sun in a recent tweet. The board's responsibilities include approving major NSF awards, setting policy direction, and submitting budget proposals.
The dismissals have drawn immediate criticism from lawmakers and the scientific community, raising concerns about political interference in scientific independence. Senator John Hickenlooper stated, "The National Science Board should be guided by science, not political science. Firing independent experts is a major blow to American innovation and discovery." Critics argue that the move undermines the non-partisan nature of scientific oversight and could have significant implications for the nation's research enterprise.
The White House has not provided an official explanation for the mass dismissals. The absence of the congressionally mandated oversight body leaves the NSF without its full advisory leadership, creating uncertainty regarding its strategic direction and the approval of major funding initiatives moving forward.
