Trump's latest science purge could bring major risks, experts say

[marmar]

Trump’s latest science purge could bring major risks, experts say
The abrupt firing of the board comes at a time of climate crisis and international competition

By Garrett Owen
National Affairs Fellow
Published May 2, 2026 9:00AM (EDT)


(Salon) The Trump administration’s recent firing of the entire 22-person board of the National Science Foundation has drawn condemnation from lawmakers, scientists and their advocates across the country, who say the decision is irresponsible and based on political control.

Members of the National Science Board, made up mostly of scientists, reportedly received emails last Friday informing them that they would be removed from their positions effective immediately.

“No reason was given,” former board member, Yolanda Gill, an employee at the Information ‌Sciences ⁠Institute of the University of Southern California, told Reuters.

....(snip)....

Daniel Jacobs, the communication director for The Science Coalition, said the board’s wipeout actually hurts the country, and puts it on the back foot.

“The reported dismantling of the advisory board that helps guide the nation’s basic research funding and ensures alignment with national priorities puts the United States at a significant disadvantage,” Jacobs said in a statement to Salon, calling the NSF’s research investments “fundamental” American achievements in science, tech, and economic growth. ............(more)

https://www.salon.com/2026/05/02/trumps-latest-science-purge-could-bring-major-risks-experts-say/