More than 140 employees of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) have anonymously condemned what they describe as politically driven budget cuts and staffing decisions under the Trump administration, according to a letter obtained by KhabarAsia.com. The document, sent to Congress on Monday, warns that “legally questionable” actions threaten America’s scientific leadership and federal workforce protections.
The employees allege abrupt staff terminations, withheld research funding, and budget reductions have compromised the NSF’s ability to support critical projects in fields like climate science and artificial intelligence. Only one signatory disclosed their identity amid fears of retaliation.
This marks the latest in a series of federal science agency protests, following similar actions at the National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and NASA. Experts call it an unprecedented mobilization, reflecting growing tensions between scientific institutions and political leadership.
The letter urges Congress to safeguard the NSF’s independence and maintain funding for research tied to national security and economic growth. Analysts suggest these appeals may influence upcoming debates about U.S. competitiveness in STEM fields amid rising Asian technological innovation.
