White House Proposes Rule to Expand Political Control Over Science Grants
4 verified6 unconfirmed
The White House and the Office of Management and Budget have proposed a new rule that would give political appointees greater authority over how billions of dollars in federal science grants are awarded. The rule, currently under a 45-day public comment period, would require senior political appointees to review each grant and assess whether it aligns with the president’s priorities before funding is approved. The administration stated the changes aim to deter waste, fraud, and abuse, but scientists and advocacy groups have criticized the move, saying it would compromise scientific integrity by replacing merit-based peer review with political oversight. The rule is known as the “Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance” and would affect agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Critics have labeled the proposed change as a threat to the independence of American science, with some comparing it to political interference seen in the 1950s. The public has until mid-July to submit comments on the proposal.
What’s verified
The Office of Management and Budget proposed a new rule that gives political appointees approval power over scientific grants.
The administration said the rule is intended to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, while critics said it compromises scientific integrity.
The rule is in a 45-day public comment period, with comments accepted until mid-July.
Scientists and advocacy groups, including Stand Up for Science and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, have publicly opposed the proposal.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that the rule would allow federal agencies to terminate active grants at any time if deemed inconsistent with agency priorities.
One source reported that the rule would prohibit the use of federal funds for research collaborations with foreign entities under U.S. sanctions.
One source reported that the rule would ban federal funds from being used for activities related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or “gender ideology.”
One source reported that the rule would disallow grant funds for most publication costs and open-access fees, require pre-approval for conference attendance, and allow exemptions from public advertisement of grant competitions.
One source reported that the rule codifies an executive order from August 2025 titled “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking.”
It is unclear what specific changes Congress might make or whether the rule will be blocked.
Key figures
Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Elizabeth Ginexi, former official at the National Institutes of Health
Cole Donovan, founder of Stand Up for Science
Colette Delawalla, founder of Stand Up for Science
Sources: NPR, eos.org
