National Science Board eviscerated; Trump admin fires all 22 members
Ars Technica • • nation
Key Points:
- The Trump administration abruptly terminated all 22 members of the National Science Board (NSB) via a brief email, providing no explanation for the action.
- The NSB advises the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the president and Congress on scientific and engineering issues, and its members serve six-year overlapping terms to ensure continuity.
- This purge follows previous attacks on the NSF, including proposed budget cuts, termination of research grants, staff reductions, and the resignation of its director, signaling a broader assault on U.S. scientific leadership.
- Critics, including terminated board members, suspect the removals aim to install politically aligned appointees, similar to other controversial changes in federal science advisory bodies under the Trump administration.
- The NSB was preparing to release a report on U.S. scientific competition with China, highlighting concerns that the purge could undermine American leadership in science and technology.
