A recent executive order issued by President Trump is set to shake up the way the federal government awards research grants, giving political appointees more power over funding decisions. The order, titled “Improving Oversight Of Federal Grantmaking,” shifts the authority for grant decisions from experts and career civil servants to presidential appointees. These appointees are directed to use their “independent judgment” to advance the President’s policy priorities.
This move is expected to have significant impacts on American science, as it changes the long-standing rules that have guided grant decisions for decades. Instead of relying on expertise and established processes, grant funding will now be influenced by political considerations.
Critics of the executive order anticipate legal challenges, as it represents a significant power grab by the President. The order gives political appointees unprecedented control over billions of dollars in research grants, raising concerns about the independence and integrity of the grantmaking process.
The implications of this executive order are far-reaching and could have immediate effects on the scientific community. Scientists and researchers who rely on federal funding for their work may find themselves facing new hurdles and uncertainties in securing grants.
As the scientific community reacts to this development, it remains to be seen how the new grantmaking process will unfold and what impact it will have on the future of scientific research in the United States. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
