Trump administration dismisses members of National Science Board

The Trump administration has dismissed members of the National Science Board, which establishes policies for the National Science Foundation. It is not clear how many members have been dismissed. According to screenshots shared with The Washington Post, board members received a message that their position was "terminated, effective immediately." The National Science Board is the independent US agency responsible for establishing policies for the National Science Foundation, which apportions about 25 percent of federal support towards research conducted by the country's colleges and universities. The foundation has existed for over 75 years and has contributed to the development of MRIs and cellphones, among other breakthroughs. Up to 25 active members can head the board, though the current board only has 22 members. The NSF's former director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, abruptly resigned last year. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren called the decision a "real bozo the clown move." "This is the latest stupid move made by a president who continues to harm science and American innovation," said Lofgren, who serves as the Ranking Member of the House's Science, Space and Technology Committee. "It unfortunately is no surprise a president who has attacked NSF from day one would seek to destroy the board that helps guide the Foundation." It is unclear if the board's next scheduled meeting for May 5 will take place. When asked about the terminations, the board referred questions to the White House.