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White House Draft Rule Shifts Grant Reviews to Politicians

5/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The draft rule would shift authority over federal research grants from peer-review panels to political appointees.
The White House released a 412-page proposal on May 29, 2026, naming Office of Management and Budget head Russell Vought as lead architect.
Scientists and advocacy groups warn the rule replaces expert review with a political loyalty test that could silence research, and the public has only 45 days to comment, a period shorter than usual.

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Story summary

The draft rule would shift authority over federal research grants from peer-review panels to political appointees.
The White House released a 412-page proposal on May 29, 2026, naming Office of Management and Budget head Russell Vought as lead architect.
Scientists and advocacy groups warn the rule replaces expert review with a political loyalty test that could silence research, and the public has only 45 days to comment, a period shorter than usual.