In a dramatic turn of events, the board members of the Fulbright program, known for promoting international educational exchanges, have unanimously resigned, citing alleged unlawful political interference from the Trump administration as their main concern.
Fulbright Board Resignation Sparks Controversy Over Trump Administration's Interference
Fulbright Board Resignation Sparks Controversy Over Trump Administration's Interference
The prestigious Fulbright program board resigns, accusing Trump aides of unlawful cancellation of scholarships amid political interference.
June 11, 2025, marked a significant day in the academic and diplomatic sphere as reports emerged that a dozen board members of the renowned Fulbright program resigned due to concerns about political interference by the Trump administration. According to a memo obtained by The New York Times, the board expressed its apprehension regarding actions taken by political appointees at the State Department, particularly the cancellation of Fulbright scholarships for nearly 200 American professors and researchers prepared to work abroad this summer.
The complaints arose after the board had successfully approved these scholars following a thorough year-long selection process. Initially, the Department of State had been expected to send acceptance letters by April, but board members discovered that rejection letters were being dispatched instead, predominately based on the scholars' research topics. This unexpected turn of events was met with dismay by the board, which included figures such as Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire.
Moreover, the memo highlighted the board's concern over the evaluation of 1,200 applications from foreign scholars who were previously granted approval but faced similar cancellations of their acceptance letters. The memo strongly condemned the actions as impermissible under the law and warned that such conduct not only jeopardizes national interests but also undermines the fifty-year-old mission and mandates set forth by Congress for the Fulbright program.
In light of the resignation, the board planned to publicly announce its decision and share the contents of the resignation memo with the White House, further emphasizing their unwillingness to condone what they referred to as unprecedented and illegal actions. As this situation unfolds, implications for both the Fulbright program and international academic exchange initiatives remain to be seen.
The complaints arose after the board had successfully approved these scholars following a thorough year-long selection process. Initially, the Department of State had been expected to send acceptance letters by April, but board members discovered that rejection letters were being dispatched instead, predominately based on the scholars' research topics. This unexpected turn of events was met with dismay by the board, which included figures such as Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire.
Moreover, the memo highlighted the board's concern over the evaluation of 1,200 applications from foreign scholars who were previously granted approval but faced similar cancellations of their acceptance letters. The memo strongly condemned the actions as impermissible under the law and warned that such conduct not only jeopardizes national interests but also undermines the fifty-year-old mission and mandates set forth by Congress for the Fulbright program.
In light of the resignation, the board planned to publicly announce its decision and share the contents of the resignation memo with the White House, further emphasizing their unwillingness to condone what they referred to as unprecedented and illegal actions. As this situation unfolds, implications for both the Fulbright program and international academic exchange initiatives remain to be seen.
