Nonilex
@Nonilex@masto.ai  ·  activity timestamp last week
#Trump executive order gives #politicians control over all federal #grants, alarming #researchers

An #ExecutiveOrder signed by Trump late Thursday aims to give #political appointees power over the billions of dollars in grants awarded by #FederalAgencies. Scientists say it threatens to undermine the process that has helped make the #US the world leader in #research & #development.

#USpol#BrainDrain #progress #idiocracy #kakistocracy
https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-order-federal-funding-grants-nih-fema-4b4b6c23a25a8ae3fdc7b43c4586c999
Nonilex
@Nonilex@masto.ai replied  ·  activity timestamp last week

The order requires all #FederalAgencies, including #FEMA, the National #Science Foundation [#NSF] & the National Institutes of #Health [#NIH], to appoint officials responsible for reviewing federal #funding opportunities & #grants, so that they “are consistent with agency priorities & the national interest.”

It also requires agencies to make it so that current & future federal grants can be terminated at any time—including during the grant period itself.

#Trump#BrainDrain #research #idiocracy
Nonilex
@Nonilex@masto.ai replied  ·  activity timestamp last week

Agencies cannot announce new #funding opportunities until the new protocols are in place, according to the order.

The #Trump admin said these changes are part of an effort to “strengthen oversight” & “streamline agency grantmaking.” Scientists say the order will cripple America’s scientific engine by placing control over federal #research funds in the hands of people who are influenced by #politics & lack relevant expertise.

#USpol#BrainDrain #progress #idiocracy #kakistocracy
Nonilex
@Nonilex@masto.ai replied  ·  activity timestamp last week

“This is taking #political control of a once politically neutral mechanism for #funding #science in the US,” said Joseph Bak-Coleman, a scientist studying group decision-making at the University of Washington.

The changes will delay grant review & approval, slowing “progress for cures & treatments that patients & families across the country urgently need,” said the Association of American Medical Colleges in a statement.

#USpol#Trump#BrainDrain #research #progress #idiocracy #kakistocracy
Nonilex
@Nonilex@masto.ai replied  ·  activity timestamp last week

The admin has already terminated thousands of #research #grants at agencies like the #NSF & #NIH, including on topics like transgender health, vaccine hesitancy, misinformation & diversity, equity & inclusion.

The order could affect emergency relief grants doled out by #FEMA, #PublicSafety initiatives funded by the #DOJ & #PublicHealth efforts supported by the #CDC. Experts say the order is likely to be challenged in court.

#USpol#Trump#BrainDrain #research #progress #idiocracy #kakistocracy