The Trump administration fired all 22 members of the National Science Board on Friday, removing the advisory body that guides the National Science Foundation’s $9 billion budget and counsels Congress on critical scientific priorities for the nation.

Board Members Terminated Without Explanation

The White House provided little explanation for the mass termination, which eliminated board members who were serving six-year terms meant to insulate them from political pressure. The National Science Board approves major expenditures and sets long-term priorities for the NSF, America’s primary funding source for non-medical science and engineering research. The foundation has contributed to transformative technologies, including GPS and the internet, through its support of basic research.

U.S. President Donald Trump has fired all 24 members of the National Science Board, the body that oversees the National Science Foundation. Many science advocates see it as the latest step by his administration to erode—some would say destroy—the independence of the 76-year-old…

— News from Science (@NewsfromScience) April 25, 2026

Representative Zoe Lofgren of California condemned the decision as a major setback for American innovation. The NSB operates as an apolitical body designed to advise the president on the future of the NSF, she noted. Lofgren questioned whether the administration would replace experienced scientists with loyalists unwilling to challenge decisions that could hand America’s scientific leadership to foreign adversaries.

Latest Disruption Following Budget Cut Proposals

The firings follow months of upheaval at the National Science Foundation. NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan resigned in April 2025 as personnel from the administration’s cost-cutting program worked inside the agency to cancel numerous research grants. Board member Alondra Nelson resigned the following month, alleging that outside officials had gained authority to approve or reject grant applications that subject matter experts had carefully vetted through established review processes.

The White House proposed a 55 percent reduction to the NSF budget last year, which Congress rejected. The administration has requested additional cuts in the fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. Scientists warn that eliminating broad-based investment in research capabilities threatens America’s ability to make unpredictable discoveries that drive technological advancement. The National Science Foundation and White House did not respond to requests for comment on the board terminations or plans for replacement appointments.