AFT, AAUP Reject Trump’s Radical Plans to Overhaul Scientific Research Funding

WASHINGTON-AFT President Randi Weingarten and American Association of University Professors President Todd Wolfson issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration's proposal to transform how the federal government funds research:

"Just last week, hundreds of thousands of people, in public comments to the federal government, opposed Donald Trump's proposal to defund lifesaving research and the innovation that takes place at our colleges and universities.

"Now, the White House is moving forward with a radical scientific strategy shift that robs universities of research money and funnels it to artificial intelligence and private companies.

"This plan raises profound concerns about the future of publicly funded science. It does nothing to make anyone healthier or safer, and it isn't what Americans want.

"We agree that our research enterprise faces serious challenges. But reforms must strengthen scientific independence-not weaken it. Research priorities must be guided by scientific expertise, rigorous peer review, transparency and the public interest-not by political ideology, short-term commercial incentives or the preferences of any administration.

"The United States leads the world in research because generations of scientists have been free to pursue difficult questions, challenge conventional wisdom, collaborate openly and publish their findings-without political interference.

"Public investment in research should continue to produce public benefit. That means sustaining the universities, laboratories, hospitals and research infrastructure that make discovery possible; protecting the integrity of peer review; ensuring broad access to the results of publicly funded research; and supporting the faculty, graduate workers, postdoctoral researchers, technicians and staff whose work advances knowledge every day.

"AI will undoubtedly transform research, and it should be developed and deployed responsibly to expand scientific discovery. But AI must remain a tool that serves researchers and the public-not a justification for concentrating power over scientific priorities or for diminishing human judgment, transparency and accountability.

"This is a defining moment for American science. We call on Congress, research institutions, scientific societies and the American public to defend a research system that is independent, publicly accountable and dedicated to advancing knowledge for everyone. We stand ready to work with policymakers of every political persuasion on reforms that strengthen American science while protecting the principles that have made it the envy of the world.

"The future of American research must be built on scientific freedom, public investment and democratic accountability-not political control."

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.