The Trump administration has removed all members of the National Science Board, a key advisory body overseeing the National Science Foundation (NSF), according to statements from two former board members. The sudden termination of more than 20 officials has sparked debate about the future of independent scientific governance in the United States.
Established in 1950, the National Science Board plays a critical role in shaping U.S. science and engineering policy. Its members, typically appointed for six-year terms, are responsible for guiding NSF priorities and advising both the president and Congress on research and innovation strategies. The board has historically included a diverse mix of experts from academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, and national laboratories.
Former board members Yolanda Gil and Keivan Stassun confirmed that all 22 members were dismissed effective immediately, with no explanation provided. Gil, affiliated with the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute, stated that the termination notice offered no reasoning. Stassun, a Vanderbilt University professor, expressed disappointment but noted that similar actions across federal institutions made the move somewhat expected.
Since taking office in early 2025, President Donald Trump has faced criticism from political analysts who argue that his administration is increasing control over independent agencies. Experts suggest that replacing board members with aligned leadership could reshape policy direction and reduce critical oversight.
The National Science Foundation has declined to comment directly, referring inquiries to the White House. In response, a White House official indicated that the board’s authority, originally defined by Congress, may require modernization. The official emphasized that NSF operations continue without disruption despite the leadership changes.
This development has intensified discussions about the balance between political influence and scientific independence, especially as the NSF remains a cornerstone of U.S. research funding and innovation.


U.S.-Iran Talks in Switzerland Postponed as Questions Over Interim Deal Persist
Trump Administration Plans Deportation of Iranian Migrants to Central African Republic Under New Third-Country Deal
Los Angeles World Cup Security Plans: No ICE Immigration Enforcement at FIFA 2026 Matches, Officials Say
IRGC Expands Secret Iraq Cells to Target Gulf States Hosting U.S. Forces
Colombia Opens New Investigation Into Former President Álvaro Uribe Over Paramilitary Allegations
JD Vance Delays Iran Peace Talks as U.S.-Iran War Deal Faces New Uncertainty
Trump Heads to Camp David for High-Stakes Iran Talks and Policy Meetings
Carney, Trump Hold Detailed Trade Talks as USMCA Future Faces Uncertainty
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups
US House Approves $70 Billion Immigration Enforcement Funding Bill, Ending Congressional Deadlock
RFK Jr. Orders Extended Hantavirus Quarantine for Cruise Passenger
Lee Jae Myung, Trump Discuss Step-by-Step North Korea Nuclear Strategy at G7
Meta Challenges Australia’s Proposed Tech Tax, Citing U.S. Trade Agreement Concerns
Zelenskiy Backs Lula’s Peace Initiative as Ukraine Seeks New Diplomatic Path to End War
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices
JD Vance Rebukes Israeli Critics of Iran Deal, Defends Trump’s Middle East Strategy
US Sanctions Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Key Officials Amid Rising Tensions 



