The Trump administration is reportedly engaged in an extensive effort to reshape scientific research and higher education. This includes a proposed rule change that would subject federal grants, including those for science, to review by political appointees. Previously, these funds were allocated based on the judgment of scientists.
Michael Kratsios, Trump's science adviser, has outlined a strategy to move decision-making from university experts to private corporations, which he suggests are better equipped to identify breakthroughs with the help of AI. This approach marks a departure from the post-Second World War model of public funding for basic, open-ended science.
Additionally, the administration is targeting international collaboration and foreign students. Visas for PhD students are now limited to four years, with potential extensions requiring students to appeal to the Department of Homeland Security. This timeframe is described as unrealistic for many academic subjects.
Despite these efforts, Congress has not supported all of Trump's requested funding cuts for science. A new rule from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reportedly being blocked in a Senate funding deal reached this week.