The Trump administration's proposal, published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on May 29, aims to overhaul federal grantmaking across all agencies, impacting approximately $1.1 trillion in funding. This plan would shift grant approval from peer review boards, which would become merely advisory, to political appointees. The OMB claims its intent is to "improve transparency, accountability, and oversight for federal awards," but critics argue it would politicize the grant review process and destabilize scientific research.
Driving widespread concern, the proposal has already garnered over 99,000 public comments, with the comment period closing on July 13. Opposition is overwhelming, with academic scientists, biotech executives, investors, and patient advocacy groups sounding alarms. Heather Pierce, senior director of science policy and regulatory counsel at the Association of American Medical Colleges, stated that this approach is not how scientific progress is made and could set back advancements by months, years, or even decades.
Beyond shifting review power, the proposed rules would grant federal agencies the authority to terminate grants that no longer align with "administration priorities" or "national interest." This includes current efforts to cut funding for projects related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The rule also seeks to restrict collaborations with China and other countries deemed to partner with China, and prohibit federal funds from supporting anything promoting DEI or non-binary gender views. Critics, like Colette Delawalla, founder of Stand Up for Science, have called the potential impact "catastrophic."
Opponents warn that these changes threaten America's status as the global leader in science and innovation, especially when facing rising competition from countries like China. The advocacy group No Patient Left Behind, along with dozens of biotech executives, stressed that the proposal risks undermining the foundation of U.S. biomedical research. PhRMA spokesperson Alex Schriver highlighted that such unpredictability could weaken the scientific ecosystem and drive talent and investment to other countries, ultimately slowing the development of lifesaving treatments.
While some, including former Trump administration health official David Mans, argue the rule would bring much-needed accountability, the consensus among scientists and industry leaders is that research funding decisions should be guided by scientific merit and public health needs, not political judgment. The OMB aims for the rule to take effect by October 1, 2026, marking the start of fiscal year 2027.
