STAT+: Trump administration seeks to overhaul federal grantmaking process, alarming researchers

STAT PlusPolitics Trump administration seeks to overhaul federal grantmaking process, alarming researchers Changes, which officials say would combat waste, among other issues, would codify tightened political control Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Anil OzaMay 29, 2026 General Assignment Reporter Anil Oza[email protected]Anil Oza is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the NIH and health equity. You can reach him on Signal at aniloza.16. The Trump administration has released a sweeping proposal to overhaul the bedrock regulation for all federal grants, and in doing so is seeking to codify tighter political control of federally funded research. The changes, laid out in a 400-plus-page document published this week, would deemphasize the role of peer review in determining what work to fund, limit the ability for scientists to use federal funds to publish their research or travel to conferences, and offer political appointees more latitude to terminate grants at will.Advertisement The suite of proposed changes aligns in many respects with policies the administration has attempted to implement through executive orders and one-off announcements, sometimes at individual agencies; if formalized, the revised regulation would be in effect across the government and put the regulatory authority of the White House behind it. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In NIH, Policy, research, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Anil Oza General Assignment Reporter Anil Oza is a general assignment reporter at STAT focused on the NIH and health equity. You can reach him on Signal at aniloza.16. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Breaking News June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump administration releases rules for new Medicaid work requirements Health Care Inc. Newsletter June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare’s mum on GLP-1s, and Massachusetts sues United Advertisement Politics June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare still won’t say how much covering obesity drugs will cost Business June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: No Surprises Act arbitration rule could worsen flood of provider disputes Biotech May 30, 2026 STAT Plus: China competition, ‘destruction’ at FDA give agency chance to restructure, Rick Pazdur says Subscriber Picks