Trump executive order gives politicians control over all federal grants,
alarming researchers
[August 09, 2025]
By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN
NEW YORK (AP) — An executive order signed by President Donald Trump late
Thursday aims to give political appointees power over the billions of
dollars in grants awarded by federal agencies. Scientists say it
threatens to undermine the process that has helped make the U.S. the
world leader in research and development.
The order requires all federal agencies, including FEMA, the National
Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, to appoint
officials responsible for reviewing federal funding opportunities and
grants, so that they “are consistent with agency priorities and the
national interest.”
It also requires agencies to make it so that current and future federal
grants can be terminated at any time — including during the grant period
itself.
Agencies cannot announce new funding opportunities until the new
protocols are in place, according to the order.
The Trump administration said these changes are part of an effort to
“strengthen oversight” and “streamline agency grantmaking.” Scientists
say the order will cripple America's scientific engine by placing
control over federal research funds in the hands of people who are
influenced by politics and lack relevant expertise.
“This is taking political control of a once politically neutral
mechanism for funding science in the U.S.,” said Joseph Bak-Coleman, a
scientist studying group decision-making at the University of
Washington.
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President Donald Trump speaks at an event to mark National Purple
Heart Day in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 7,
2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
 The changes will delay grant review
and approval, slowing "progress for cures and treatments that
patients and families across the country urgently need,” said the
Association of American Medical Colleges in a statement.
The administration has already terminated thousands of research
grants at agencies like the NSF and NIH, including on topics like
transgender health, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and diversity,
equity and inclusion.
The order could affect emergency relief grants doled out by FEMA,
public safety initiatives funded by the Department of Justice and
public health efforts supported by the Centers for Disease Control.
Experts say the order is likely to be challenged in court.
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