What impact did the Trump administration have on the National Science Foundation?

The Trump administration fired more than 10% of the staff at the National Science Foundation, representing a significant reduction in its workforce. Founded in 1950 to promote science, engineering, and work on U.S. defense and public health, the NSF provides a quarter of federal support for basic research at American colleges and universities. The foundation plays a crucial role in funding key scientific initiatives including astronomy observatories and research stations in Antarctica. This mass firing threatens the organization's ability to fulfill its mission of advancing scientific research and innovation across the United States.