Trump Dismisses All 24 National Science Board Members

President Donald Trump dismissed all 24 members of the National Science Board on Friday, the independent advisory body that oversees the National Science Foundation, the primary federal agency funding basic scientific research in the United States.

The terminations, effective immediately, were communicated through terse emails from the Presidential Personnel Office. The messages, shared by recipients, stated: "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." No reasons were provided in the notifications, and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Established in 1950, the National Science Board consists of up to 25 presidentially appointed scientists, engineers, academics, and industry leaders who serve staggered six-year terms to ensure continuity across administrations. The board advises the president and Congress on national science policy and holds statutory authority over the NSF's approximately $9 billion annual budget. It approves major expenditures, such as funding for Antarctic research stations, telescopes, and a fleet of research...