Trump has terminated several members of the independent National Science Board
As reported by several media outlets, the Trump administration has fired members of the National Science Board (NSB), responsible for setting policies for the National Science Foundation. It is unclear how many members were fired. According to screenshots shared with The Washington Post, Board members received a message that their positions were “terminated, effective immediately.”
The NSB establishes policies for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the independent U.S. agency responsible for allocating approximately 25 percent of federal support to research conducted by the nation’s colleges and universities. The foundation has existed for more than 75 years and has contributed, among other things, to the development of MRIs and cell phones. Up to 25 active members can lead the NSB, but the current board has only 22 members; former NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan abruptly resigned last year.
In response, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren called the latest decision “a real clown move” in a statement. “This is the latest stupid decision by a president who continues to harm American science and innovation,” Lofgren, who is also ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, added in the statement. “It is unfortunately not surprising that a president who has attacked the NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board of directors that helps guide the Foundation.”
It is not yet clear whether the next NSB board meeting, scheduled for May 5, will take place. We have contacted NSB for further details and will update if we receive a response.
