Dr. John Holdren warns that Trump’s science cuts could undermine America’s scientific progress, leading to a decline in innovation and talent. This erosion threatens the foundational feedback loop where public investment drives breakthroughs, economic growth, and global leadership. He highlights the historical efforts of educators like Marjorie Gardner, Mary Budd Rowe, and Melvin Webb, who pioneered inclusive science education long before diversity initiatives gained recognition. Their commitment opened doors for marginalized groups in science and laid the groundwork for future advancements, emphasizing that neglect and fear could dismantle decades of progress.
Vannevar Bush’s vision for independent federal funding of basic research, outlined in his 1945 report, led to the creation of the National Science Foundation (NSF). However, under Trump, NSF faced political capture, with funding decisions influenced by party agendas, undermining its mission to promote unfettered scientific inquiry. This shift endangers both science and democracy.
Today, in the journal Nature, it was reported that Trump cut nearly 1,000 grants from Harvard University. These included 193 grants valued at $150 million. These were cut by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Additionally, there were 56 grants worth $105 billion by the Department of Defense. Finally, more than 600 grants came from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). These were worth approximately $2.2 billion over several years. This is a significant impact on Harvard, representing 11% of the college’s annual $6.4 billion budget. It’s important to note that none of these grants address the antisemitism on the campus of Harvard University. Trump also has claimed that Harvard has “engaged in race discrimination” in admissions.
When Donald Trump launched his recent political assault on Harvard University, he threatened to revoke federal funding. He also threatened international student visas and autonomy.
Academic retaliation by Trump, Noem, Miller and others involves punitive actions. These actions directly target a core role of universities.
The Trump administration recently revoked Harvard University’s certification. This affects their ability to enroll international students. It is based on the authoritarian playbook written into Project 25 by the Heritage Foundation. It’s. Another illegal move by the Trump cronies. It’s very serious. Its affect all of higher education. I am an emeritus professor of science education at Georgia State University. I have more than 30 years of experience in higher education. International students are crucial and humanistic
I’ve been reading about the Trump administration. In the 2026 fiscal budget proposal, they have launched a full-court press on science research and development. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is on the chopping block. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) is also being targeted. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faces cuts. Similarly, the Department of Commerce, where you find the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is affected. The Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will face severe cuts to its budget.
On May 3, the White House sent a letter to Senator Susan Collins, chair if the Appropriations Committee. It was written by Russell T. Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget. The letter accompanied 40 pages of “major discretionary funding changes.” He provided Senator Collins the Trump budget recommendation. This action was taken before their plan to release the information. It will be included in the White House’s fiscal 2026 budget proposal.
