Overview of Funding Changes

New funding initiatives at the National Science Foundation (NSF) have been put on hold, following an order from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This departmental initiative, spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk, aims to streamline government spending by eliminating specific programs and personnel.

Review and Termination of Existing Grants

The DOGE is currently reviewing active research grants that have been previously evaluated by the NSF for their connections to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Reports suggest that over 200 grants are being considered for termination according to NSF staff.

Recent Developments at the NSF

As of mid-April 2025, all research award proposals have been suspended amidst a tumultuous environment marked by significant staffing changes and budget cuts. Recent actions include:

• The complete freeze of new research funding.
• Termination and subsequent rehiring of probationary employees.
• Reduction in the graduate research fellowship program, slashing available positions from 2,000 to 1,000.

Political Context and Report Analysis

The NSF has faced increased scrutiny, particularly following a report released by Senator Ted Cruz’s office, which claimed that numerous grants issued between January 2021 and April 2024 funded projects that supported DEI initiatives, labeling them as wasteful expenditures. The report estimated that these grants amounted to approximately $2 billion.

Democratic members of the Science, Space and Technology Committee have contested the findings of the Cruz report, suggesting it undermines critical scientific work and mischaracterizes essential funding as ineffective.

Concerns About Grant Evaluations

Industry experts and NSF staff have expressed alarm over the implications of the DOGE’s involvement in scientific grant management. Traditionally, grants undergo rigorous reviews involving multiple layers of expert assessment, with a typical selection rate of 20-30%. Concerns arise particularly as this process is now being disrupted.

Prior to DOGE’s influence, grant proposals proceeding to final approval were almost guaranteed funding, indicating that current reviews could potentially derail significant scientific advancements.

Responses to the Situation

In light of the escalating tensions surrounding NSF funding and grant approvals, several stakeholders, including U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren, have advocated for the integrity of the NSF’s grant review process. Highlighting the necessity for maintaining standards based on merit rather than politically-motivated assessments, Lofgren emphasized that the NSF should not yield to unfounded criticisms stemming from politically charged evaluations.