Trump Administration Dismisses Entire National Science Board

All 22 members of the National Science Board, overseeing the National Science Foundation, were dismissed without explanation, according to notifications sent on April 24.

The board's members typically serve staggered six-year terms, and officials have not indicated whether replacements will be named.

The National Science Board helps guide NSF policy and provides oversight of one of the federal government's primary funders of basic research. Former board chair Dan Reed described the move as unprecedented and emphasized the need for an independent body representing the broader science and engineering community.

Lawmakers responded along party lines, with some criticizing the decision as harmful to U.S. science and innovation, while others said advisory boards are expected to align with administration priorities. The move follows similar actions in recent years to dismiss or eliminate federal science advisory committees.