Trump Administration Dismisses Entire National Science Board, Raising Questions About NSF Independence

On April 24, 2026 White House emailed all 22 NSB members, stating their positions were “terminated, effective immediately.” The board, which guides the NSF, was emptied in a step.

Scientific American

Created by the 1950 NSF Act, the NSB advises the president and Congress, sets NSF policy, and approves awards. The administration cited the 2021 Supreme Court case U.S. v. Arthrex, questioning the authority of non-Senate-confirmed appointees.

Inside Higher Ed

Willie May, vice president, called the move “the latest casualty” of dismantling bodies. Roger Beachy, biologist, noted brief “thank you for your service.” Keivan Stassun, Vanderbilt professor, warned of a “wholesale evisceration of American leadership.” Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) called it “the latest stupid move…,” and Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) said “every President expects advisors to serve in a manner consistent with executive and legislative priorities.”

Associated Press

The NSF’s 2025 budget was about $9 billion. The FY 2027 request seeks a cut of over 50 %. Media reported the firings on April 26–27; a board meeting planned for May 5 is now uncertain.

Trump administration fires entire board of US’s National Science Foundation without warning

Removing the NSB eliminates an oversight layer, allowing the Office of Management and Budget to direct NSF spending without board input. Critics warn this endangers long-term basic research, U.S. competitiveness with China, and politicizes grant decisions.

Inside Higher Ed

A White House spokesperson said the dismissals follow U.S. v. Arthrex and that the administration will work with Congress to revise the statute. NSF said its work “continues uninterrupted” and referred inquiries to White House.

Inside Higher Ed

Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Lofgren and Sen. Cantwell, called the move “an attack on science.” AAAS and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities warned it “destabilizes American science” and could politicize research funding.

‘A String Of Erratic Decisions’: National Science Foundation Advisory Board Is Abruptly Dismissed

• “I have watched the systematic dismantling of the scientific advisory infrastructure of this government with growing alarm, and the National Science Board is simply the latest casualty.” — Willie May, Vice President for Research, Morgan State University

Inside Higher Ed

• “this is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation.” — Zoe Lofgren, Democratic Representative, California

Common Dreams

• “a wholesale evisceration of American leadership in science and technology globally.” — Keivan Stassun, Vanderbilt University

LA Times

• “The termination email was brief and to the point, with a ‘thank you for your service,'” — Roger Beachy, Emeritus Professor, Washington University

Al Jazeera (website)

Sources list the board’s size as 22, 24, or a full complement of 25 members, creating uncertainty about the exact number dismissed. The fate of the May 5 meeting and any plan to appoint replacements before statutory changes remain unclear.

Inside Higher Ed

Jim O’Neill’s nomination as NSF director awaits Senate confirmation. Congress will debate the FY 2027 budget, which includes the proposed >50 % NSF cut. Advocacy groups are urging legislative oversight and possible reinstatement of the NSB.

Scientific American