More Than 140 NSF Employees Criticize Trump Administration’s Actions on Science
Over 140 employees of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) have signed a letter condemning actions by President Donald Trump that they argue have weakened the institution’s role in scientific funding. The letter was sent to Zoe Lofgren, ranking member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, on Monday, highlighting issues such as staff terminations, withholding of research funds, and significant budget cuts. Reports 24brussels.
Almost all employees’ signatures were kept confidential due to concerns regarding potential retaliation. The letter expressed alarm at what they labeled “politically motivated” and “legally questionable” actions taken by the Trump administration, which they claim threaten the integrity of the NSF and violate civil service protections guaranteed under federal law.
The signatories urged Congress to protect the NSF’s mission, uphold its scientific independence, and continue supporting critical research essential for national prosperity and security. This letter follows similar protests from scientists and staff at the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the Voyager Declaration by current and former National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientists.
Experts characterize these collective actions as an unprecedented surge of dissent among federal scientific employees in the U.S. This growing unrest reflects mounting tensions between scientific authorities and the current administration, raising questions about the future direction of scientific research and funding in the country.
