It is important to fight what they are trying to do. It is so insane I have doubts they can implement it. But I can also say that the agencies have been in a state of chaos for some time now. As "just a nerdy physicist" I have been part of the process on both ends. It's already difficult enough to get grants. This is a very rigorous and competitive process.
Putting unqualified people in there to do this job will result in the whole of US science collapsing. I don't think that is an exaggeration. If the idea is for research to be done by private entities means the death of basic research.
This level of control will hollow out research. Censoring particular words already limits "acceptable" research. Many scientific or medical proposals would beyond the understanding of administrators especially anything pathbresaking.
I have worked with research grants finding appropriate reviewers, a panel of experts that span the topics of proposals up to and including dispensing grants.
This plan is beyond belief. Politicizing science is a terrible idea. Creativity is part of research. Administering grants requires a distinct set of skills. Without OUTSIDE ratings of proposal, you set the stage for waste, fraud and abuse if not outright graft.
Thank you Simon for this interview. I've signed Collette's declaration, sent my public comments to the government, donated to SUFS. Vought is evil and to have grants overseen by political appointees smacks of discrimination and racism. Licensed allied health care professional with a degree in science still advocating for patients over forty years.
I went to Stand up for Science’s website, I joined, I donated but I couldn’t find reference to the OMB rule and Stop Vought, Save Science. I came back to this podcast and submitted a comment through the link you provided. I think the Stand UP website hasn’t been updated to include this urgent issue.
The problem may be your browser setting. The link that Simon provided IS to the Stand Up for Science website. You may need to refresh your browser if you have it set to go to where you left off last time.
Thank you so much for both of you for this very informative interview. I was supported by the National Science Foundation for decades and I find this OMB initiative so wrong.
Thank you, Simon, for the interview with Paulette. Very informative. Just submitted a public comment. Inspired by Tim Snyder's phrase "superpower self-suicide" when talking about the Trump agenda,writ large, I railed against this rule saying it would create "science suicide" here in the US.
I just organized a local forum on science in partnership with Stand up for Science. I had 3 local researchers talk about how their research positively impacts our community. I think it's really important to let voters know that even though science often happens behind the scenes, it really makes a difference in people's lives. The forum was really well attended in our conservative neck of the woods. A very positive event.
Thank you, Simon, for this wonderful article, and for bringing it to our attention. I just submitted my comment on the link provided. We must stop this insanity NOW!
Does anyone have a draft of the language/ wording that they posted to either site to share? I always struggle with sounding articulate and to the point with these types of posts. Too many of mine ramble. Thanks, in advance for your help.
It is important that you compose your own comment, since duplicate language will be rejected. The most important thing to say is that you oppose the proposed rule. Here is what I said.
The OMB proposed rule “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” is 100% unacceptable. As a Ph.D. Scientist, I must say that it is appalling because science must remain independent and free from such political interference. Please have reputable scientists re-write this rule from an apolitical and scientific perspective. Please collaborate with and include the sentiments of scientists from organizations like The National Science Foundation, scientists from Universities such as the renowned University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology, prominent scientists including Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Nobel Laureates like Dr. Peter Agre of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and non-profit scientific research institutions! As proposed, your funding programs are not credible and will do enormous harm to Our Country and our standing in the world.
Finally, the rule as written appears to be blatantly illegal, corrupt, ill-advised, unconstitutional (free speech is still our right), and not in the public interest. Government is to serve the people, not for despots to serve themselves. Our children deserve better.
I have been lecturing on the negative impacts of tobacco and nicotine products on people throughout the US and the world for the past 25 years. The FDA budget in this domain has been gutted making people less likely to quit their addiction and make more children vulnerable to the lure of using them. ( Vaping and Nicotine pouches) We also have quit working with the WHO which has and continues to be an important organization in this fight.
25 years ago I wrote an op- ed titled “Politics and Science: A toxic mix” Sadly, this is still relevant. Let’s keep fighting.
It is important to fight what they are trying to do. It is so insane I have doubts they can implement it. But I can also say that the agencies have been in a state of chaos for some time now. As "just a nerdy physicist" I have been part of the process on both ends. It's already difficult enough to get grants. This is a very rigorous and competitive process.
Putting unqualified people in there to do this job will result in the whole of US science collapsing. I don't think that is an exaggeration. If the idea is for research to be done by private entities means the death of basic research.
This level of control will hollow out research. Censoring particular words already limits "acceptable" research. Many scientific or medical proposals would beyond the understanding of administrators especially anything pathbresaking.
I have worked with research grants finding appropriate reviewers, a panel of experts that span the topics of proposals up to and including dispensing grants.
This plan is beyond belief. Politicizing science is a terrible idea. Creativity is part of research. Administering grants requires a distinct set of skills. Without OUTSIDE ratings of proposal, you set the stage for waste, fraud and abuse if not outright graft.
Thank you Simon for this interview. I've signed Collette's declaration, sent my public comments to the government, donated to SUFS. Vought is evil and to have grants overseen by political appointees smacks of discrimination and racism. Licensed allied health care professional with a degree in science still advocating for patients over forty years.
I happen to be one of those jabronies working in STEM! Will share these instructions
Comments submitted! Thanks for keeping this front of mind at Hopium.
Can patients who benefit from research about Alzheimers, Cancer, .... have a voice too?
Yes, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! YES!! People who are benefitting from clinical trials should speak out, for sure.
I submitted my comments via the Stand Up for Science website, and the wording was posted in an earlier chat. https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/trumps-incredible-meltdown-rigging/comment/272830945
We can also submit them directly to the federal register here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/29/2026-10817/regulation-for-federal-financial-assistance#open-comment
I went to Stand up for Science’s website, I joined, I donated but I couldn’t find reference to the OMB rule and Stop Vought, Save Science. I came back to this podcast and submitted a comment through the link you provided. I think the Stand UP website hasn’t been updated to include this urgent issue.
The problem may be your browser setting. The link that Simon provided IS to the Stand Up for Science website. You may need to refresh your browser if you have it set to go to where you left off last time.
Thank you so much for both of you for this very informative interview. I was supported by the National Science Foundation for decades and I find this OMB initiative so wrong.
Thank you, Simon, for the interview with Paulette. Very informative. Just submitted a public comment. Inspired by Tim Snyder's phrase "superpower self-suicide" when talking about the Trump agenda,writ large, I railed against this rule saying it would create "science suicide" here in the US.
Thank You
I just organized a local forum on science in partnership with Stand up for Science. I had 3 local researchers talk about how their research positively impacts our community. I think it's really important to let voters know that even though science often happens behind the scenes, it really makes a difference in people's lives. The forum was really well attended in our conservative neck of the woods. A very positive event.
thank you!
Wow!
Just sent my comment form in
Thank you, Simon, for this wonderful article, and for bringing it to our attention. I just submitted my comment on the link provided. We must stop this insanity NOW!
Does anyone have a draft of the language/ wording that they posted to either site to share? I always struggle with sounding articulate and to the point with these types of posts. Too many of mine ramble. Thanks, in advance for your help.
It is important that you compose your own comment, since duplicate language will be rejected. The most important thing to say is that you oppose the proposed rule. Here is what I said.
The OMB proposed rule “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” is 100% unacceptable. As a Ph.D. Scientist, I must say that it is appalling because science must remain independent and free from such political interference. Please have reputable scientists re-write this rule from an apolitical and scientific perspective. Please collaborate with and include the sentiments of scientists from organizations like The National Science Foundation, scientists from Universities such as the renowned University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology, prominent scientists including Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Nobel Laureates like Dr. Peter Agre of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and non-profit scientific research institutions! As proposed, your funding programs are not credible and will do enormous harm to Our Country and our standing in the world.
Finally, the rule as written appears to be blatantly illegal, corrupt, ill-advised, unconstitutional (free speech is still our right), and not in the public interest. Government is to serve the people, not for despots to serve themselves. Our children deserve better.
Thanks. Just need an outline to help me organize my thoughts.
https://www.standupforscience.foundation/policy-and-advocacy/the-sufs-guide-to-writing-public-comments
Here is our guide!
I have been lecturing on the negative impacts of tobacco and nicotine products on people throughout the US and the world for the past 25 years. The FDA budget in this domain has been gutted making people less likely to quit their addiction and make more children vulnerable to the lure of using them. ( Vaping and Nicotine pouches) We also have quit working with the WHO which has and continues to be an important organization in this fight.
25 years ago I wrote an op- ed titled “Politics and Science: A toxic mix” Sadly, this is still relevant. Let’s keep fighting.