The Trump administration has terminated multiple members of the National Science Foundation’s governing board, according to a report from The Washington Post. The move has raised concerns among scientists and lawmakers about the future direction of the agency.
Members of the National Science Board received notices from the White House Presidential Personnel Office informing them their roles were ending immediately, The Hill reported.
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I’m writing to inform you that your position as a member of the National Science Board is terminated, effective immediately,” the message read.
Board member Marvi Matos Rodriguez said she learned of her termination while reviewing materials tied to her role. She had been serving on the board since 2022.
“The idea of having six-year terms is you get to do something significant, impactful and go beyond administration, political administrations,” Rodriguez said.
It remains unclear how many members were removed or whether replacements will be named. The White House and the National Science Foundation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, sharply criticized the decision.
“The NSB is apolitical,” Lofgren said in a statement. “It advises the president on the future of NSF.”
She accused the administration of undermining scientific leadership and independence.
“It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation,” she said.
Lofgren also questioned whether future appointees would remain independent.
“Will the president fill the NSB with MAGA loyalists who won’t stand up to him as he hands over our leadership in science to our adversaries?” she said.
The National Science Foundation has faced broader changes since Trump returned to office. The administration has canceled or suspended nearly 1,400 grants, citing shifting policy priorities.
Those grants account for roughly a quarter of federally funded basic scientific research in the United States. Critics, including former NSF directors, have warned that continued cuts could weaken the nation’s scientific standing.
The administration’s proposed 2027 budget seeks to reduce NSF funding by more than half. An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson previously said the cuts reflect “a strategic alignment of resources in a constrained fiscal environment.”
President Trump has nominated Jim O’Neill to lead the agency. His nomination is currently pending before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Concerns about funding cuts have also drawn attention from figures outside government. Bill Nye warned last year that reductions to NSF and NASA science programs could have lasting consequences.
“We’re not talking about delays in scientific exploration, we’re talking about the end of it,” Nye said.
