Former NSF heads criticize funding, staff cuts at science agency
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Former National Science Foundation and National Science Board leads sent a letter to congressional leadership saying the cuts to the agency run contrary to the Trump administration’s priorities.
Six former directors of the National Science Foundation signed a May 3 letter outlining concerns over the Trump administration’s policy and staffing changes to the agencies, and their impact on the future of scientific research in the U.S.
Addressed to congressional leadership on both the House and Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittees that have jurisdiction over science funding, the letter also featured signatures from seven former chairs of the National Science Board and was cc’d to both President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
The signatories described the “draconian” funding and personnel cuts as detrimental to the future of U.S. scientific advancements from which it could take up to 10 years to rebound — running contrary to the Trump administration’s own science and tech dominance agenda. The letter specifically cited the instructions Trump sent to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios stating tasks for his office to execute to “recapture” U.S. innovation dominance.
“Achieving the President’s vision requires a major enhancement of the NSF budget, ideally a doubling of the FY25 level over the next few years and sufficient staff to execute this vision,” the former NSF heads and National Science Board Members wrote. “In the current political climate, we know this is a bold request. We make it, nonetheless, to say — if we truly wish to realize this vision, we must commit to a historic investment in fundamental research and education in a manner that leaves no doubt about the United States’ intentions with our international competitors.”
The letter specifically cites China as a leading competitor for global technological dominance.
“It is critical for America’s future to make the right choice,” the letter concludes. “We stand ready to assist you and the country in any way possible.”
The release of the letter comes after the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency terminated scores of staff and research grants at the science agency, and leaders including former Director Sethuraman Panchanathan and former Chief Information Officer Terry Carpenter announced their departures.