# Scientists Oppose Politicization of Science Funding Proposal to let political appointees oversee U.S. science grants faces widespread backlash. - **Source:** [Scientific American Content: Global](https://brifing.si/source/4f066134-e06d-4415-87ef-305e3dc2aba6) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c8eba966-6aa4-4d75-b06c-1f146227f3ee ## Proposed Changes A proposal to let political appointees decide on U.S. science grants has sparked outrage in the scientific community. The current system relies on peer review, but the new plan risks politicizing the process. ## Scientific Community's Response Hundreds of thousands, including Nobel laureates, have opposed the changes. Scientists warn that the proposal could undermine U.S. leadership in science and prioritize political agendas over research. ## Health and Scientific Progress The American Association for Cancer Research emphasized that politicizing funding could harm cancer research. The current system has significantly reduced cancer mortality rates, they noted. ## Meteorological Impact The American Meteorological Society warned that the changes could negatively affect weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, potentially impacting public safety and the economy. ## Public Comments There has been significant public opposition to the proposed changes, with 94% of comments submitted by July opposing them. The scientific community stresses that the plan threatens scientific freedom. ## The Future of Science Scientists warn that the proposed changes could weaken U.S. scientific leadership in the long term. Aligning research with political priorities could stifle innovative discoveries. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-overwhelmingly-against-rule-change-that-would-give-political-appointees-say-over-science-grants/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._