The Trump administration has issued an executive order that establishes direct political control over federal research grants. All funding opportunity announcements now require approval from agency heads or designated political appointees, affecting which scientific areas receive funding. Grants can be revoked at any time if they no longer align with agency priorities. This shift threatens the expertise-driven basis of federal research funding by introducing non-expert political oversight, marking a significant change in the management of scientific funding in the US.
The new order requires that any announcement of funding opportunities be reviewed by the head of the agency or someone they designate, putting political appointees in charge.
The rules mean that all federal science research must be approved by a political appointee who may lack expertise, jeopardizing scientific independence.
Agencies are instructed to formalize the ability to cancel previously awarded grants at any time if they're deemed to no longer advance agency priorities.
The executive order reflects ongoing accusations regarding university funding and diversifying the scientific community while increasing political oversight over grant-making.
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