The Trump administration announced new proposed regulations Friday that would expand political appointees’ authority over billions of dollars in federal grant funding, drawing sharp criticism from scientists who warn the changes threaten independent research.
The sweeping regulatory proposal represents what could be the most significant overhaul of federal grant distribution in recent years, mandating that senior political appointees evaluate funding decisions for compliance with legal requirements and presidential priorities.
Under the proposed changes, administration officials would gain expanded authority to cancel previously approved grants, potentially putting millions of dollars in active research projects at risk.
The Office of Management and Budget released the extensive 400-plus page proposal, arguing that the previous Biden administration permitted insufficient transparency and oversight in grant distribution, resulting in federal funding for what they termed “woke” initiatives.
“Collectively, these policies wasted a great amount of taxpayer resources and caused great harm to public trust in government,” the document reads. “The proposed reforms are necessary to ensure greater accountability for use of public funds.”
Following a period for public input, OMB and federal departments will determine whether to modify the proposal before implementing final rules, potentially as early as this summer.
Research advocates argue the changes would damage America’s position as a global leader in scientific innovation by placing research funding under political influence rather than scientific merit. They express concern that the modifications will create delays in grant processing and approval, hampering scientific advancement and medical discoveries.
The proposal implements an executive directive issued by President Donald Trump during the previous summer. Since beginning his second term, the administration has been canceling research funding for subjects the president considers unsuitable for study, including transgender health research and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, criticized the administration’s proposed regulations, stating they would eliminate funding from any initiative that recognizes diversity, abortion access, or transgender and nonbinary individuals.
“Withholding public grants from programs that depend on them because you refuse to acknowledge the humanity of certain communities is not good government – it’s fascism,” said spokesperson Laurel Powell. “We will fight back.”
