Overview

• The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ signed into law codifies Trump’s FY26 budget proposals, reducing basic research funding by about 34% and cutting total federal science support by 22%.
• On July 8, researchers turned the Rayburn House Office Building foyer into a “science fair of canceled grants” to pressure lawmakers to reverse terminations on thousands of NIH and NSF awards.
• In mid-June, U.S. District Judge William G. Young ordered the restoration of some NIH grants deemed “arbitrary and capricious,” though many more cancellations remain under appeal by the administration.
• A National Postdoctoral Association survey found postdoc job losses have tripled to 11% under Trump’s administration, with many early-career researchers losing positions or funding.
• Faced with ongoing uncertainty, U.S. scientists are considering roles abroad as governments in France, the Netherlands, Belgium and China offer fast-track funding and visas for displaced researchers.