Trump’s mass firing just dealt another blow to American science

2026-05-01 · Source: MIT Technology Review · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, Public Finance & Administration · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF), a federal agency funding approximately $9 billion in research, recently experienced a mass firing of its entire 22-member National Science Board (NSB) on Friday last week. This action follows the resignation of former NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan in April 2025 amidst DOGE-led funding cuts and staff reductions. The Trump administration's nominee for NSF director is Jim O'Neill, an investor with no scientific background. The NSB, established in 1950, was responsible for setting NSF policies, authorizing major expenditures like the US Extremely Large Telescope Program, and overseeing the agency's direction, including establishing new directorates for technology and innovation. Despite Congress rejecting a proposed 57% budget cut for the NSF in 2026, grant terminations and staff reductions, which have seen numbers drop by 40%, are effectively implementing similar reductions, halting projects and zeroing out science education initiatives. However, the administration's 2027 budget request prioritizes AI, quantum information science, and biotechnology as "frontier initiatives."

Key takeaway

For AI Scientists and researchers relying on federal funding, this development signals a significant shift in the NSF's governance and priorities. You should anticipate reduced funding for broad science education and certain research areas, while AI, quantum information science, and biotechnology may see increased focus. Re-evaluate your grant strategies to align with these new administrative directives and potential leadership changes, particularly given the nominee for NSF director lacks a science background.

Key insights

Political shifts can drastically alter federal science funding and governance structures.

Principles

• Federal science boards provide critical oversight.
• Budget cuts can be implemented indirectly.
• Political appointees shape research priorities.

In practice

• Monitor federal budget requests closely.
• Track changes in agency leadership.
• Identify shifting research priorities.

Topics

• National Science Foundation
• National Science Board
• Federal Science Funding
• Science Policy
• Research Governance

Best for: AI Scientist, Research Scientist, Policy Maker, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by MIT Technology Review.