WH proposes rules giving political appointees final approval on research grants
The White House has proposed new regulations that would give political appointees final approval on federal research grants. This move aims to centralize control over government funding and requires compliance with presidential priorities. Critics argue that this could undermine scientific integrity and replace expert review with political considerations.
- ▪The proposed regulations would allow political appointees to have the final say on research grants.
- ▪The Office of Management and Budget's plan has raised concerns about the potential politicization of scientific research.
- ▪Experts warn that the changes could harm the scientific ecosystem by prioritizing political loyalty over scientific merit.
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| Original publisher | Scientific American |
| Canonical URL | https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/white-house-proposes-new-rules-giving-political-appointees-final-say-on-research-grants/ |
| Publication time | Sat, 30 May 2026 01:39:52 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-30T02:29:04.249Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-30T02:29:04.249Z |
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| Summary source text | contentText |
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May 28, 20263 min read Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmWhite House proposes new rules giving political appointees final approval on research grantsThese proposed Office of Management and Budget regulations would render the federal research grant review process opaqueBy Dan Vergano edited by Claire CameronWhite House Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought. Andrew Harnik/Getty ImagesOn Thursday the White House released long-anticipated draft regulations that, if enacted, would give political appointees the final word on federal research grants and other funding across government agencies.Scheduled to be officially published in the Federal Register on Friday, the 412-page proposal on federal spending rules would centralize Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control over releases…
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