Story perspectives

Trump Admin Targets “Woke” Grants, Gives Appointees Veto Power

6/5/2026

Center

Trump Targets Grants

The Office of Management and Budget says the rule will stop “woke” grant projects, citing drag shows in Ecuador and transgender mouse experiments.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration proposed the rule, published May 29, comment period ends July 13, granting political appointees authority over awards.
Agencies will still review peer-reviewed projects, yet political appointees can veto funding.
Scientists and Stand Up for Science call the rule a regression and expect court challenges.

Left

Trump Grant Veto

Scientists warn the White House plan would let U.S. President Donald Trump-appointed officials veto federal research grants.
The proposal keeps peer-reviewed projects under agency review while political appointees can veto them before funding.
It also bans funded diversity, equity, inclusion and gender studies, endangering addiction-prevention and climate research.
Over 3,000 comments, almost all opposing, say veto could erode leadership and echo Soviet control.

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Trump Targets Grants

The Office of Management and Budget says the rule will stop “woke” grant projects, citing drag shows in Ecuador and transgender mouse experiments.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration proposed the rule, published May 29, comment period ends July 13, granting political appointees authority over awards.
Agencies will still review peer-reviewed projects, yet political appointees can veto funding.
Scientists and Stand Up for Science call the rule a regression and expect court challenges.

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