On Friday, President Donald Trump dismissed several members of the National Science Board, which plays a crucial role in guiding the National Science Foundation (NSF) and its nearly $9 billion budget for basic science funding. This board, established in 1950, comprises scientists and engineers appointed by the president to ensure that the NSF maintains high scientific standards and makes informed funding decisions. The NSF has a notable history of supporting innovations, including the educational technology firm Duolingo, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The dismissals have sparked concerns about the board's future effectiveness, especially as the NSF faces proposed budget cuts of 55% that Congress has previously rejected. Critics, including Rep. Zoe Lofgren, argue that these actions undermine the integrity of scientific governance and threaten American innovation. The board's members serve six-year terms, allowing them to transcend political administrations, but the recent shake-up reflects ongoing turmoil within the NSF, which has already seen the cancellation of over 1,000 active research grants last year. The lack of a confirmed NSF director since 2022 further complicates the agency's stability and governance.