In a looming budget proposal from President Trump, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is bracing for significant cuts that could drastically impact its operations. During an all-hands meeting, NSF’s assistant director for engineering, Susan Margulies, revealed that up to half of the agency’s staff may face layoffs in the coming months.
Sources indicate that Trump’s budget request may slash NSF funding by as much as 66%, potentially reducing the annual budget from approximately $9 billion to around $3 billion. This alarming trend reflects a broader expectation of cuts to discretionary spending.
These proposed reductions align with earlier suggestions from Russ Vought, expected to take on a key budget role in the White House. He previously advocated for substantial cuts to NSF, arguing for a focus on research that benefits the entire nation rather than what he termed “woke ideology.” As the budget process unfolds, the scientific community watches closely, apprehensive about its future.
