A recent executive order from the Trump administration titled “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking” has sparked a swift response from nearly 60 scientific societies in the U.S. These bodies have voiced their strong opposition, urging Congress to protect the objectivity and integrity of the peer-reviewed grant process.
The Controversial Executive Order
Issued in August 2025, the executive order mandates that agency heads assign senior appointees to review new grant announcements, ensuring they align with national priorities. However, this move was criticized as an attempt to influence the allocation of funds based on political motives. According to Physics World, this shift of accountability places scientific grant distribution in jeopardy, making it vulnerable to external political pressures.
Concerns Over Past Grants
The order has specifically taken issue with previous grants directed towards diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, labeling them as politically influenced. The administration criticized these NSF grants, claiming they disguised certain ideologies as serious research, challenging the conventional approach to awarding scientific grants.
Call to Action by Scientific Communities
In a unified stand, esteemed organizations like the American Physical Society and the American Geophysical Union sent a letter of opposition to Congress leaders. They stress that the executive action threatens the rigorous and unbiased nature of the existing grantmaking process, which fosters groundbreaking research and innovation.
Potential Consequences of Increased Oversight
The detailed oversight now required could result in additional administrative burdens that may delay essential scientific exploration. The societies argue for continued congressional oversight to review this order thoroughly, ensuring it does not disrupt the timely and competent distribution of research funding.
A Path Forward
With an eagerness to maintain an unpoliticized scientific landscape, the scientific community is ready to collaborate with Congressional leaders and the Trump administration in refining this executive order. This collaboration is vital for preserving the United States’ reputation as a global leader in scientific research and development.
As stated in Physics World, the plea to Congress underscores the critical role that an unbiased federal grant system plays in nurturing scientific progress. Such a system is necessary to continue nurturing innovations that benefit society as a whole.
