The entire Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board resigned on Wednesday, citing political interference by President Donald Trump’s administration. The 12-member board said the administration took control of decisions that normally belong to the board. This included denying a large number of Fulbright awards for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The board also said the administration is reviewing another 1,200 international Fulbright recipients without authorization. This review could lead to even more award rejections. The board argued that these actions go against the program’s mission and the values of free speech and academic freedom that Congress established nearly 80 years ago.
The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board manages the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. This program offers scholarships to international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and research in the United States. It is a government-funded, non-partisan program created by Congress in 1942 under President Harry Truman. The program operates in more than 160 countries and supports about 4,000 foreign students each year.
The board pointed out that the awards affected by the administration’s actions mainly cover fields such as biology, engineering, architecture, agriculture, crop and animal sciences, biochemistry, medical sciences, music, and history. Despite raising legal concerns to senior officials several times, the board said their objections were ignored.
A senior official from the State Department dismissed the board’s resignation as a political move meant to undermine the president. The official said it is unreasonable to think the board members should have the final say over the application process, especially regarding academic suitability and alignment with the president’s executive orders.
The Fulbright Board said the decision to resign was difficult but necessary. They called on Congress, courts, and future boards to prevent any attempts to weaken or end the program. According to the board, introducing politics into the Fulbright Program violates both the law and the program’s founding spirit.
The Fulbright Program is known for promoting cultural exchange and academic cooperation worldwide. Political interference may harm its reputation and reduce its effectiveness. The board’s resignation raises questions about the program’s future under the current administration. There could be legal challenges and congressional reviews ahead.
