Trump administration moves to overhaul $150 bn U.S. scientific research funding

The Trump administration drafted a proposal to transfer control of roughly $1 trillion in federal research grants to political appointees, fundamentally changing how the United States funds science. The plan would redirect about $150 billion each year—including the $47 billion NIH budget—toward projects that align with presidential priorities and away from programs on diversity, equity, inclusion, transgender issues, or research deemed “anti‑American.”

The proposal triggered massive public backlash, generating around 500 000 public comments and bipartisan opposition. Twenty‑two state attorneys general announced intent to challenge the rule’s constitutionality in court. Scientists reported the cancellation of thousands of grants, including NIH awards, raising concerns that reduced resources could impair climate‑model accuracy and other public‑health research.