The administration of Donald Trump has dismissed all 22 members of the board responsible for setting policy at the government-funded National Science Foundation, according to a former board member and lawmakers.
The shake-up affects the National Science Board, the advisory and policy body of the NSF, and is seen as part of a broader effort by the administration to overhaul federal institutions following major cuts to agencies such as the Department of Education and United States Agency for International Development.
Former board member Roger Beachy, who was appointed in 2020, said members were not given any explanation for their removal. He described the notice as brief, simply thanking them for their service.
Beachy said he expects new appointments but raised concerns about whether the board will remain independent or become politically aligned, noting that its structure is crucial to the NSF’s effectiveness.
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Democratic lawmakers criticised the decision, with Zoe Lofgren calling it another damaging move for American science and innovation, and questioning whether the board would be replaced with loyalists.
The White House and NSF did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Trump has not publicly addressed the firings. However, his administration has previously targeted the NSF for major cuts led by Elon Musk through the Department of Government Efficiency.
During last year’s cost-cutting drive, more than 1,600 NSF grants worth nearly $1 billion were cancelled or suspended.
Established in 1950, the NSF spent over $8 billion on research and education in 2025, making it one of the world’s largest science funders.
Beachy said it is still too early to determine the long-term impact but noted that the NSF has historically enjoyed bipartisan support, which could help sustain its future.
Al-Jazeera