Administration rule would politicize scientific grant decisions, health advocates say

Scientists and health advocates criticized an administration proposed rule that would transfer federal grantmaking decisions from scientific experts to senior political appointees. The document, released by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, intends to give the Trump administration authority over funding throughout the government. A representative from the Infectious Disease Society of America said the rule, if finalized, would hinder “medical research, public health and healthcare access for vulnerable populations.” The proposed rule would give the administration authority to terminate awards in the middle of the grant period and forbid collaboration with researchers in certain countries. Comments on the proposed rule are due July 13. (MedPage Today article, 6/2/26)