Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Dismisses Entire National Science Board, Raising Governance Concerns
4/28/2026, 7:06:23 AM
Mass Dismissal of the National Science Board
On April 24, 2026 the White House Presidential Personnel Office emailed all NSB members “on behalf of President Donald J. Trump,” stating their positions were “terminated, effective immediately.” The board lost either 22 or 24 members, depending on the source. No explanation was offered.
Role and Structure of the NSB
Created by the 1950 NSF Act, the NSB advises the president and Congress on science policy, approves major NSF awards, and meets five times a year. It normally includes up to 25 scientists and engineers appointed to staggered six-year terms.
Affected Members and Their Reactions
Dismissed members included Keivan Stassun (Vanderbilt University), Yolanda Gil (USC Information Sciences Institute), Victor R. McCrary (Catholic University of America), and Willie E. May (Morgan State University). Stassun called the action “a wholesale evisceration of American leadership in science,” Gil said it signaled “sweeping changes,” and May expressed “deep disappointment, though not entirely surprised.”
Budget, Staffing, and Policy Context
The NSF’s budget is roughly $9 billion. The Trump administration has twice proposed FY 2027 cuts exceeding 50 percent, after a similar FY 2026 request was rejected. Since January 2025 the agency has lost about one-third of its staff and frozen or cancelled more than 1,500 grants, totaling over $1 billion.
Official Statements & Responses
Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Maria Cantwell called the firings “a dangerous attack on the institutions and expertise that drive American innovation.” House Science Committee ranking member Zoe Lofgren described them as a “stupid move” harming science and innovation. The White House declined comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Scientists called the dismissal unprecedented and warned it could let the administration run NSF directly through the Office of Management and Budget, bypassing congressional oversight. Dan Reed, former NSB chair, said the action threatens independent scientific advice. Stassun warned it could erode U.S. leadership in science.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on whether 22 or 24 board members were terminated. The White House gave no rationale, and no timeline for new appointments has been announced. The board’s May 5 meeting and a pending report on U.S. scientific competition with China were cancelled.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wasn’t entirely surprised, to be honest,” — Keivan Stassun, professor of physics and astronomy, Vanderbilt University
- “this is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation.” — Zoe Lofgren, ranking member, House Science, Space and Technology Committee
- “I am deeply disappointed, though I cannot say I am entirely surprised,” — Willie E. May, vice president, Morgan State University
What’s Next
The FY 2027 budget request, still before the Senate, again seeks a >50 percent cut to NSF funding. Jim O’Neill, a biotech investor and former HHS deputy secretary, remains pending confirmation as NSF director. Whether and when a new NSB will be appointed is unclear.
