Board members appointed for six-year terms were notified of immediate termination in letters sent Friday, according to reports.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The administration of Donald Trump has removed members of the National Science Board, an independent body established to guide the National Science Foundation, according to communications received by board members on Friday.
Scientists and engineers serving on the board were informed their roles had been terminated effective immediately through formal notices sent by the Presidential Personnel Office. The letters stated, “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,” according to screenshots shared with The Washington Post.
The National Science Board was created in 1950 as an independent advisory entity tasked with overseeing the National Science Foundation and shaping national science policy. While members are appointed by the president, they traditionally serve staggered six-year terms intended to extend across multiple administrations.
The National Science Foundation provides federal grants that support scientific research across disciplines and has contributed to the development of widely used technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging systems, mobile communications and laser-based vision correction procedures.
Representative Zoe Lofgren, the ranking member of the House Science Committee, criticized the decision in a public statement, calling it “the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation.” She added that the board is intended to function as an apolitical advisory group and questioned whether new appointees would align closely with the administration.
Marvi Matos Rodriguez, a senior vice president in the energy sector specializing in fusion research and a board member since 2022, confirmed she received a termination notice. She said the structure of six-year appointments is designed to allow members to contribute work that extends beyond political cycles.
“The idea of having six-year terms is you get to do something significant, impactful and go beyond administrations, political administrations,” she told The Post, adding that her service on the board was performed outside regular working hours.
It remains unclear how many members were dismissed or whether replacements will be named in the near term.
Original article
Comments