Breaking: Trump EO aims to centralize control of grantmaking under political appointees

Researchers said the order could make the process of science much more volatile, and subject to partisan priorities

Log In    Subscribe BREAKING NEWS   Trump executive order seeks to centralize control of grantmaking under political appointees By Megan Molteni, Anil Oza, Angus Chen, and Jonathan Wosen Mark Schiefelbein/AP A sweeping new executive order aims to fundamentally rewrite the rules that for decades have guided research grant decisions, giving President Trump's political appointees unprecedented power over the projects agencies fund.   The executive power grab, which experts expect to be challenged in court, is likely to have massive and immediate impacts on the daily operations of American science. READ MORE Sign up for Morning Rounds Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day. Learn more. In Case You Missed It Jay Bhattacharya once studied health disparities. As NIH director, he's allowed such research to wither By Anil Oza, Usha Lee McFarling, and Eric Boodman Kennedy's rejection of mRNA vaccines thwarts scientific progress — and threatens national security, experts say By Helen Branswell Claiming to fight waste, Trump administration slashes potentially cost-saving research By Eric Boodman Trump administration wants to defund watchdog groups for Navajo mental health By O. Rose Broderick Get 50% off an annual STAT+ subscription Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning journalism, premium data tools, discounted event tickets, and much more Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2025, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us