Trump Administration Fires National Science Board Members

0:00The Trump administration just shook up the National Science Board, reportedly firing multiple members, and some say all of them, this independent group oversees the National Science Foundation and gives straight advice to the President and Congress on science policy. The Washington Post dropped screenshots of messages telling board members their positions ended right away on behalf of President Trump. Words spread fast after that Saturday report. With California Representative Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House Science Committee confirming, from her sources that every single member got the boot. But details are fuzzy, no exact count from the post, and the White House hasn't set a peep to confirm or explain why. Critics are fired up. Lofgren called it another dumb move, hurting American science and innovation, questioning if Trump plans to stack the board with yes men. The head of the Association of American Universities, repping 71 top research schools, said she's deeply troubled, especially with China, pouring cash into science and catching up fast.

1:01She warns, this kills the board's independent voice at a bad time for US competitiveness and security. For context, the board has 25 members appointed to six year terms, pulling from all kinds of science and engineering fields. Set up by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, it's meant to stay apolitical, guiding NSF goals on research, education, and national. As of Sunday night, the board's website still lists over 20 bios, no updates. This leaves a big gap in science leadership, and folks are watching close to see who fills those seats and what it means for funding and innovation. Down the line. That's your Tampa Bay News Today update, AI powered and always on.