Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the Trump administration’s decision to remove all 22 members of the National Science Board. They fear this move could weaken America’s scientific leadership and provide China with a strategic advantage in the global research and innovation competition. Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna and Rep. Haley Stevens have written to the National Science Foundation and the White House seeking clarification on the dismissals.
The lawmakers emphasized their “grave concern” over the dismissals, stating that it could diminish scientific expertise, undermine independent oversight, and send a troubling message to both allies and competitors. They highlighted a broader pattern of dismantling institutions and experts within the White House, as mentioned in their letter to the NSF and the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. The National Science Board plays a crucial role in shaping US science and technology priorities as an independent advisory body to the NSF.
Khanna and Stevens pointed out that the board members were removed shortly after releasing a report on US-China scientific competition. The report revealed that China had surpassed the United States in scientific research and development expenditures for the first time. The lawmakers expressed concern that since the dismissals, the board has been unable to brief lawmakers on the report’s findings or provide recommendations to maintain US leadership in global science and technology.
Former board members and higher education leaders, including Dr. Keivan Stassun, a former National Science Board member, criticized the administration’s actions as part of a broader effort to weaken scientific institutions. The lawmakers are demanding detailed information from the NSF regarding the dismissals, including who ordered them and the reasoning behind the decision. They are also seeking the NSF’s response to the board’s findings on the research and development funding gap between the US and China.
