A government watchdog (the GAO) found that the Trump administration violated federal law—the Impoundment Control Act—by withholding and canceling billions in grants meant for scientific research. The act requires Congress, not the executive branch, to have final say over funding decisions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic drama—it’s about who controls taxpayer money. By sidestepping Congress, the administration undermined a key check on executive power, potentially setting a risky precedent for future funding freezes. For scientists, delayed or canceled grants can derail critical research.