In a significant policy shift that has sparked reactions across political and tech circles, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has canceled 402 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-related grant programs, citing a realignment with its core mission and priorities. The move, which affects funding worth $233 million, received praise from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a reform-focused body he has championed as part of his broader vision for eliminating government inefficiencies.
The NSF made the announcement on Friday, stating that the terminated awards did not align with the agency’s evolving focus on scientific merit and national impact. The foundation emphasized its commitment to fair access and equal opportunity while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used in the most effective way possible.
NSF Prioritizes Merit and National Interest
In its public statement, the NSF clarified the rationale behind the decision, noting that, “As stewards of taxpayer investments in science and engineering, we continuously assess our programs to ensure alignment with national priorities.”
The agency added that future awards would be guided by its statutory evaluation criteria — Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts — which aim to fund projects that both advance scientific understanding and produce tangible benefits for the American public.
“Our goal remains to create opportunities for all Americans everywhere, and we are committed to doing so without exclusion or preferential treatment,” the NSF noted.
DOGE Reacts: ‘Great Work’ by NSF
Shortly after the announcement, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was launched as a non-partisan watchdog initiative supported by Musk, took to social media to praise the NSF’s actions.
“Great work by @NSF canceling 402 wasteful DEI grants ($233M in savings), including $1M for ‘Antiracist Teacher Leadership for Statewide Transformation,’” DOGE tweeted via its official account on X, formerly Twitter.
“Grant awards will now be based on merit, competition, equal opportunity, and excellence,” the post continued, aligning the decision with DOGE’s own stated mission to promote transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility in U.S. government programs.
DOGE’s response has drawn significant attention, not only because of Musk’s involvement but also due to the growing national debate over the role of DEI initiatives in academia, business, and government.
Elon Musk’s Vision of Efficient Governance
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has increasingly expanded his influence beyond the tech sector into public policy and political discourse. Through DOGE, Musk has advocated for data-driven reforms and the reevaluation of programs he sees as bloated, ineffective, or ideologically driven.
While DOGE is not a formal government agency, its commentary and campaigns have gained momentum, particularly among policymakers and voters aligned with fiscal conservatism and merit-based systems.
“America thrives when we reward innovation, integrity, and performance,” Musk said in a previous statement regarding DOGE’s purpose. “We need systems that encourage real progress, not ones that check boxes.”
What Grants Were Cut?
Among the 402 canceled projects was a $1 million initiative titled “Antiracist Teacher Leadership for Statewide Transformation,” aimed at fostering equity-focused leadership in public education. Other defunded grants included programs related to gender equity in STEM, racial bias reduction in engineering pedagogy, and inclusive curriculum development.
Critics of these initiatives have argued that such programs divert resources away from core scientific research and may introduce ideological bias into objective academic processes.
On the other hand, DEI advocates contend that inclusive policies are essential for creating equitable access in historically exclusive scientific fields. They warn that cuts like these may reverse decades of progress in minority participation in science and technology sectors.
Public Reaction Mixed
The NSF’s decision and DOGE’s celebratory response have triggered mixed reactions online and among stakeholders in academia.
Supporters hailed the move as a necessary course correction.
“This is a return to excellence and accountability,” said Michael Trent, a policy analyst at the Center for Government Reform. “Science should be driven by evidence, not ideology.”
However, others expressed concern over what they see as a backslide in the push for equal representation in scientific careers.
“This is not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity,” said Dr. Amanda Liu, a professor of engineering and DEI advocate. “Programs like these have helped countless students from underserved backgrounds break into STEM fields. Losing that support could have long-term consequences.”
NSF’s Role and Ongoing Mission
Founded in 1950, the NSF is an independent federal agency tasked with promoting the progress of science, securing national defense, and advancing the health and welfare of the U.S. public. The agency supports research across all science and engineering disciplines and funds approximately 25% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities.
Each funding proposal is traditionally evaluated using two key criteria:
- Intellectual Merit – the potential to advance knowledge in the field.
- Broader Impacts – the potential to benefit society or contribute to specific societal outcomes.
The new funding direction, according to agency insiders, reflects a renewed emphasis on “impactful science over social programming.”
What’s Next?
While the NSF has stated it will continue to provide access and opportunity to all applicants, it will now require tighter alignment with its scientific priorities and national relevance. The agency also indicated that its budget would be redirected toward emerging technologies, climate science, AI, and defense-related innovation.
As for DOGE, the organization appears poised to continue its public campaign for what it describes as a “leaner, smarter” government, with more scrutiny on programs that lack measurable outcomes.
Conclusion
The NSF’s cancellation of over 400 DEI-related grants and the $233 million in savings has ignited a new flashpoint in the national discussion over equity, science, and spending priorities. With Elon Musk’s DOGE amplifying calls for a merit-based funding model, the future of DEI in federal science initiatives remains uncertain — but undeniably part of a broader shift in U.S. governance and public policy.
