iAsk.ca Services: iAsk.ca Scientists warn US will lose a generation of talent because of Trump cuts July 3, 2025 at 06:00 AM (21 hours ago) Nina Lakhani Share Donald TrumpScienceResearch and developmentUnited StatesClimate crisisEnvironmentRace AI Summary TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️ Scientists warn Trump cuts threaten US scientific talent and research − The Trump administration's chaotic cuts and unprecedented political interference at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other federal science agencies are jeopardizing the future of US scientific talent, industries, and economic growth. A new 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) is reportedly vetoing research proposals, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or environmental justice. Over 1,653 active NSF grants have been abruptly cancelled, and the proposed 2026 budget includes a 56% cut to the NSF budget and a 73% reduction in staff and fellowships, leading to fears of a lost generation of scientists and a decline in US global scientific supremacy. Timeline − 1 1950: National Science Foundation (NSF) founded2 January 2025: Trump comes to power, begins implementing cuts and interference3 February 2025: Anne Marie Schmoltner retires from NSF4 Last week (before July 3, 2025): Department of Housing and Urban Development (Hud) announces move into NSF headquarters5 July 3, 2025: Article published detailing the impact of Trump's cuts on US science6 Ongoing: Over 1,653 active NSF research grants cancelled7 Ongoing: Research proposals returned 'without review'8 Proposed 2026 budget: 56% cut to NSF budget, 73% reduction in staff/fellowships Consequences − Loss of a generation of scientific talent to overseas competitorsJeopardizing the future of US industries and economic growthUndermining of NSF's gold standard peer-reviewed processErosion of the quality of fundamental researchThreat to advances in tackling existential threats (food, water, biodiversity)US willingly conceding global scientific supremacy to competitors like China1,653 active NSF research grants abruptly cancelledProposed 56% cut to the NSF budget and 73% reduction in staff and fellowships for 2026Reduced funding for 21,400 under- and postgraduate students nationwideScientists not accepting new graduate students due to funding uncertaintyLoss of institutional memory and up-and-coming leaders at USGSReduced ability to manage natural resources sustainablyIncreased dependence on chemical companies' research (implied from EPA context)Increased federal debt (related to Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' from Article 3) Analysis − What: The Trump administration is implementing chaotic cuts and political interference at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other federal science agencies (NOAA, EPA, USDA, USGS). A new 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) is reportedly vetting and vetoing research proposals, especially those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or environmental justice. This has led to the cancellation of over 1,653 active NSF grants and proposed significant budget and staff cuts for 2026, threatening US scientific talent and global competitiveness. When: The article was published on July 3, 2025. The NSF was founded in 1950. Trump came to power in January (2025). The HUD announcement about moving into NSF headquarters was last week. Anne Marie Schmoltner retired in February. The proposed budget cuts are for 2026. Where: United States (nationwide, including Harvard University, NSF headquarters in Virginia). Why: The Trump administration's stated priorities are AI, quantum information science, nuclear, biotech, and translational research. Critics argue the cuts are politically motivated, undermine merit-based science, and are an 'own-goal' that will cede global scientific supremacy to competitors like China. How: Doge personnel are vetting and vetoing proposals without explanation. Grants are being abruptly cancelled. Budget cuts are proposed for 2026. HUD is moving into NSF headquarters, raising concerns about the agency's future. Research proposals are being returned 'without review'. Key Entities − People Organizations Locations Locations The Trump administration's chaotic cuts and unprecedented political interference at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other federal science agencies are jeopardizing the future of US scientific talent, industries, and economic growth. A new 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) is reportedly vetoing research proposals, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or environmental justice. Over 1,653 active NSF grants have been abruptly cancelled, and the proposed 2026 budget includes a 56% cut to the NSF budget and a 73% reduction in staff and fellowships, leading to fears of a lost generation of scientists and a decline in US global scientific supremacy. , The Trump administration's chaotic cuts and unprecedented political interference at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other federal science agencies are jeopardizing the future of US scientific talent, industries, and economic growth. A new 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) is , The scientists warn that Trump's assault on diversity in science is already eroding the quality of fundamental research funded at the NSF, the premier federal investor in basic science and engineering, which threatens to derail advances in tackling existential threats to food, water and biodiversity in the US..