Story perspectives

Springsteen-Backed Festival Protests OMB Grant Power Expansion

5/30/2026

Center

Springsteen Protest Festival

Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello and artists announced a protest festival in Washington, D.C., a month before the 2026 midterm elections.
The Office of Management and Budget released a 400-page proposal expanding senior political appointees’ authority over federal research grants.
Scientists warned the changes could delay reviews and jeopardize ongoing research.
Human Rights Campaign said draft would cut funding for diversity, abortion and transgender programs.

Left

Scientists Resist

A “No Kings” concert on June 14 will oppose President Donald Trump’s 80th-birthday UFC event on the White House lawn.
The Office of Management and Budget issued regulations letting senior appointees review and terminate research grants, citing past “woke” funding.
Scholars filed an amici brief asserting Congress, not President, holds authority over White House construction.
Scientists warned the rule would replace peer review with political loyalty, threatening independent research.

History

Historical Context

The OMB, reshaped from the 1970 Bureau of the Budget, gained policy-setting power through Circular A-130, first issued in 1985 and revised three times—in 1994, 1996 and 2000. Those revisions broadened senior officials’ control over agency programs, a precedent the current proposal echoes as the administration again seeks authority to review and possibly terminate federal research grants.

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Springsteen Protest Festival

Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello and artists announced a protest festival in Washington, D.C., a month before the 2026 midterm elections.
The Office of Management and Budget released a 400-page proposal expanding senior political appointees’ authority over federal research grants.
Scientists warned the changes could delay reviews and jeopardize ongoing research.
Human Rights Campaign said draft would cut funding for diversity, abortion and transgender programs.

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