The White House is proposing a new regulation that would give the administration the power to block billions of dollars in federal grants. If finalised, the president's political appointees would be required to approve all federal grants and ensure the money advances the president's policy priorities.
The blueprint says that the government cannot issue grants to projects or groups that deny the biological reality of sex or the sex binary in humans. It also says it cannot seek to fund initiatives that promote anti-American values, contribute to illegal immigration, advance diversity equity and inclusion, or assist in voter registration.
Scientists are sounding the alarm over the proposal. The editor of Science Magazine, Holden Thorp, wrote that the Trump administration seems as determined as ever to mortally wound the nation's scientific enterprise.
The changes would inevitably lead to a sweeping impact on health and science research in addition to other fields. Researchers say the requirement for political approval of grants would introduce ideology into what has traditionally been a merit-based process.
The proposal could affect funding for universities, hospitals and research institutions across the country. Many organisations that currently receive federal grants would need to demonstrate alignment with the administration's stated priorities.
The regulation represents one of the most significant attempts by any administration to exert direct political control over the federal grants process. Critics argue it would fundamentally undermine the independence of scientific research in the United States.
The proposal is still in the regulatory process and has not yet been finalised. However, the scope of the proposed changes has already generated significant opposition from the scientific community and research institutions nationwide.