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Trump Administration Fires Entire National Science Board, Sparking Policy and Funding Concerns
The Trump administration terminated all members of the National Science Board via emails from the Presidential Personnel Office, effective immediately. The move comes amid prior NSF funding pressures and a building relocation, with lawmakers and scholars warning of potential impacts on science policy and funding.
Why It Matters
Abolishing the independent advisory board could affect how science and engineering policy is shaped and how funding decisions are reviewed, potentially easing future budget cuts to the NSF.
Timeline
7 Events
White House on NSB powers
April 28, 2026
The White House said the powers given to the National Science Board when it was created may need to be updated, but the NSF's work continues uninterrupted.
Senate Democrat reaction
April 28, 2026
Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, called the move a dangerous attack on the institutions and expertise that drive American innovation and discovery.
Board meeting planned; report in progress
April 28, 2026
The board was planning to meet in person the following week and was finalizing a report on the state of U.S. science.
Firing of NSB members reported
April 24, 2026
Members of the National Science Board received emails from the Presidential Personnel Office stating their positions were terminated, effective immediately. Keivan Stassun said he wasn't entirely surprised, and Yolanda Gil said all current members—22 in total—had been let go.
NSF headquarters relocation
2025
The National Science Foundation's headquarters were relocated to a smaller building.
Budget cut attempt to NSF
2025
The Trump administration attempted to cut the National Science Foundation's $9 billion budget by more than half; Congress maintained NSF funding.
National Science Board created
1950
The National Science Board was created in 1950 to advise the president and Congress on science and engineering policy, approve major funding awards and guide the NSF's future.