As reported by multiple outlets, the Trump administration has fired members of the National Science Board (NSB), which is tasked with setting policies for the National Science Foundation. It is not clear how many members have been dismissed. According to the screenshot shared along with Washington Post, Board members received a message that their positions had been “abolished with immediate effect.”
The NSB establishes policies for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the independent U.S. agency responsible for allocating approximately 25 percent of federal support for research conducted by the nation’s colleges and universities. The foundation has been in existence for over 75 years and has contributed to the development of MRI and cellphones, among other breakthroughs. A maximum of 25 active members can lead the NSB, however, the current board has only 22 members; Former NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan resigned suddenly last year.
In response, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren called the latest decision a “real loaded clown trick” in a statement. “This is the latest foolish step taken by a President that is harming science and American innovation,” Lofgren, who also serves as the ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, said in the statement. “Unfortunately it is no surprise that a president who has attacked the NSF from day one would try to destroy the board that helps guide the foundation.”
It is unclear whether NSB’s next scheduled board meeting on May 5 will take place. Asked about the recent closing and the next meeting, NSB referred the White House for additional details. We have contacted the Trump administration for confirmation and will update the story when we hear back.
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