How much should politics influence science, and vice versa? National Science Board’s ousting resurrects an existential debate

The Trump administration fired the entire board that oversees the National Science Foundation, raising an age-old question about the separation of science and state.

By: Caroline Wagner, The Ohio State University and James Olds, George Mason University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 30, 2026

Words: 1,380

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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By Caroline Wagner, The Ohio State University and James Olds, George Mason University

“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump,” read 22 emails sent from the White House Presidential Personnel Office on Friday afternoon, April 24, 2026, “I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the National Science Board is terminated, effective immediately.”

The email was signed “Thank you for your service.”

The distinguished scientists and engineers who …

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