Several members of the National Science Board, an independent body that helps oversee the nation’s primary basic research agency, were removed from their positions Friday by President Donald Trump, according to reports citing communications sent to board members.
The dismissals were conveyed in a message from the White House Presidential Personnel Office, which informed recipients that their service had been terminated effective immediately. The message read, “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I’m writing to inform you that your position as a member of the National Science Board is terminated, effective immediately,” while also thanking them for their contributions.
The board serves as the governing and advisory body for the National Science Foundation, an agency responsible for distributing nearly $9 billion annually in funding for basic scientific research. The National Science Board plays a central role in shaping policy, approving major programs, and advising both Congress and the president on science and engineering priorities tied to national interests, including economic competitiveness and national defense.
One board member, Marvi Matos Rodriguez, said she learned of her termination while actively working on board responsibilities. Appointed in 2022, she had been reviewing an extensive report at the time she received notice. She emphasized the intended continuity of board service, stating, “The idea of having six-year terms is you get to do something significant, impactful and go beyond administration, political administrations.”
It remains unclear how many members were removed or whether replacements will be appointed in the near term. The White House and the National Science Foundation have not publicly detailed the scope of the changes.
The National Science Board is composed of 25 members appointed by the president to staggered six-year terms. Its responsibilities include setting the strategic direction of the National Science Foundation, guiding budget priorities, and ensuring that U.S. leadership in science and engineering is maintained. The board also advises federal leadership on policies affecting research, education, and technological development.
The removals come amid broader shifts affecting the National Science Foundation. Since returning to office, the Trump administration has canceled or suspended a significant number of research grants tied to the agency, citing evolving policy priorities. These grants historically account for a substantial share of federally funded basic research in the United States.
Concerns about the direction of federal science policy have been raised by former agency officials and research organizations, who have warned that changes to funding and governance could have long-term implications for innovation and global scientific competitiveness. The administration’s proposed budget for 2027 includes a reduction of more than half of the National Science Foundation’s funding, described by officials as part of a broader effort to realign resources.
The leadership of the agency is also in transition. Former Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill has been nominated to lead the National Science Foundation, though his confirmation remains pending before the Senate.
The National Science Board has historically functioned as an apolitical body designed to provide continuity and long-term strategic guidance across administrations. Its mandate includes promoting scientific progress, strengthening national welfare, and supporting defense-related innovation through sustained investment in research and education.