More than 140 National Science Foundation employees petitioned Congress Tuesday to investigate alleged politically motivated firings as the agency’s governing board prepared to meet Wednesday on staffing and relocation issues.
The letter to Rep. Zoe Lofgren, ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, details what employees call the systematic dismantling of the federal research agency under the Trump administration.
Jesus Soriano, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3403, signed the petition, which was accompanied by 48 named employees and 101 anonymous members, citing a fear of retaliation.
The employees allege the administration terminated more than 1,600 active research grants between April and May using undisclosed criteria from the Department of Government Efficiency. They claim $2.2 billion of NSF’s $9 billion fiscal 2025 appropriation remained withheld as of July 2.
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., said July 8 that NSF “has been forced to cancel over one billion dollars in research grants” at the direction of DOGE and the president. Beyer spoke at a Capitol Hill event showcasing canceled research projects.
The National Science Board will convene on Wednesday at NSF headquarters with open sessions from 10:45 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. and closed discussions on staffing, relocation, and the search for a new director. The board will elect a new chair during the closed session.
NSF faces displacement from its Alexandria headquarters at 2415 Eisenhower Ave. to accommodate the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The move affects approximately 1,800 employees who learned of the relocation through an internal memo.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the relocation would save taxpayers over $500 million in deferred maintenance costs. Virginia’s congressional delegation demanded cost documentation from the General Services Administration.
The employees’ letter claims more than 10% of NSF’s workforce was terminated in February and alleges political appointees now conduct secondary reviews of scientific grants.
Brian Stone is performing duties as NSF director. NSF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Read More Of Our Coverage On This Topic
- July 8: Rep. Beyer highlights research grants canceled by Trump administration at Capitol Hill event
- July 1: Mayor: Alexandria ‘betting’ on keeping NSF as 2,700 HUD workers relocate to city
- June 27: EXCLUSIVE: Warner, Kaine, Beyer demand answers on NSF’s forced exit from Alexandria headquarters
- June 26: Senator Warner demands cost analysis for HUD move to Alexandria, raises concerns about NSF displacement
- June 25: HUD announces relocation to National Science Foundation building in Alexandria
- June 24: Report: National Science Foundation headquarters to be taken over by HUD, displacing 1,800+ employees
