The Office of Management and Budget tries again to cripple US science

In a significant shift in policy, the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is revamping how grant funding is managed, a move that could jeopardize the very fabric of US scientific research. Last August, an executive order was issued aiming to reshape the established process that has long positioned the US as a leader in science and innovation. Historically, grant applications were evaluated based on scientific merit and feasibility by peer reviewers, and funding decisions were driven by experts within the respective agencies. However, the latest proposals suggest that political appointees will now have the ultimate authority over grant approvals, with instructions to disregard peer assessments unless deemed necessary. The administration's attempt to enforce these changes has faced significant legal challenges, demonstrating that executive orders cannot simply bypass legal standards. To navigate these hurdles, the OMB has opted to integrate the executive order into a broader set of administration goals, launching it through the formal federal rulemaking process. The implications of these new regulations are alarming for the scientific community. Peer review is being relegated to a minor role, with provisions that allow federal agencies to revoke grants at any time under the ambiguous guideline of 'national interest.' Furthermore, the new rules are poised to impose restrictions on a variety of cultural topics, limit international collaborations, and curtail funding for essential activities, such as publishing research and attending academic conferences. Previously, grantmaking procedures varied across agencies, with the OMB providing overarching guidance. The new regulations aim to standardize these processes, transforming guidance into enforceable rules. As the OMB initiates the formal rulemaking process, it opens the door for public commentary before finalizing the regulations in the Federal Register. This move marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for the integrity of scientific research in the United States.