Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Fires National Science Board Amid Science Agency Cuts
5/10/2026, 10:58:30 PM
NSB Dismissal and Agency Cuts
On April 24, 2026, President Trump terminated all 22 National Science Board members without explanation. The move coincided with cuts and budget proposals affecting the EPA and NSF.
Legal Context and Personnel Reductions
The NSB, founded in 1970, oversees NSF budgeting. Congress set staggered terms; law allows removal of the NSF director but not board members. Since January 2025, the administration has laid off over 1,500 EPA scientists, reassigned many to other roles, and lost 30 % of NSF staff.
Personnel and Budget Scale
Less than 10 % of EPA’s staff remain after a 1,500-person cut. NSF has shed 30 % of its workforce since 2025 and cancelled 1,500 grants. The 2027 budget proposes trimming NSF’s $9 billion by 55 %, slashing NIH funding by $5 billion and ending EPA’s $100 million program.
Scientific Leadership Implications
The NSB’s removal and staff cuts jeopardize climate, health, and environmental research. Analysts warn reduced capacity could let rivals, China, fill the gap, weakening scientific competitiveness.
Reactions
Marsha Anderson Bomar, president of the Society of Civil Engineers, hopes new appointees will preserve NSF’s core work. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) demanded an explanation, stressing the NSB’s essential role in guiding research. NSF declined comment, directing inquiries to White House, which has not responded.
Opposition
Former NSF leaders demand board reinstatement.
On-the-Ground Effects
EPA scientists note a pulmonologist reassigned to a financial role and an epidemiologist issuing permits, showing a shift from research to administration. Termination memo gave no rationale, and administration has not clarified whether the postponed NSB report on U.S. competition with China will be released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We hope it only means that new people will be put into place, but that the fundamental work of the National Science Foundation will continue forward,” — Marsha Anderson Bomar, President, American Society of Civil Engineers
- “I would think we need to understand what future conditions [around climate and extreme weather] are likely to be so that we can design appropriate infrastructure,” — Marsha Anderson Bomar, President, American Society of Civil Engineers
- “It is critically important that the United States continue to lead the world in the advancement of scientific research and development, and the NSB plays an essential role in that work. This misguided decision risks undermining the integrity of the NSF and our nation’s global leadership in research and innovation,” — Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
- “The NSB helps guide the critical work of NSF by approving the agency’s strategic budget direction, approving the annual budget submissions to the Office of Management and Budget, approving new major programs and awards, and establishing agency policies.” — Press release, Office of Senator Baldwin
