National Science Foundation Diverted $1.4 Billion in Science Funds Mandated by Congress NYT - Home Page By: Adam SellaοΌ Christopher Flavelle and Irena Hwang 2 October 2026 at 18:41 The move, affecting about one-fifth of the National Science Foundationβs primary research budget, is the latest sign of how the White House is asserting more control over grants. Β© Alex Kent/The New York TimesSome National Science Foundation divisions pulled back research proposals in order to comply with White House guidance to carry over funds.