WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House Office of Management and Budget has received 90,000 public comments on its proposed rule regarding federal grant making as of July 7, 2026. The public comment period for this proposal is scheduled to end on July 13, 2026.

The White House proposed the rule in late May 2026. The proposal states that political appointees would replace peer reviewers as the primary deciders of grant recipients. It also indicates that officials could withdraw funding after it has been awarded and a project has commenced.

The proposed rule would elevate the Office of Management and Budget's uniform guidance for grant making into a binding regulation across the federal government. This proposal is more than 400 pages long and includes new requirements for how federal agencies must write award solicitations.

Colette Delawalla, chief executive officer of Stand Up for Science, stated that her organization has initiated a campaign to inform the public and scientists about the rule. "We have launched a frankly enormous campaign educating the public and scientists on what is included in this rule," Delawalla said. She added that the rule allows the executive branch freedom in its actions. "It allows for just carte blanche freedom of the executive branch to do what they want." Stand Up for Science was founded in 2025.

Melinda Rostal, a veterinary epidemiologist, emphasized the need for widespread awareness. "Our first order of business is to get as many comments as possible," Rostal said. She added, "We need to get the word out to the towns, cities and the general public … This is a threat to them as well as to science." The proposed rule also includes new restrictions on how scientists can share results from research funding they receive.

Holden Thorp, editor in chief of Science, urged the scientific community to submit responses. "The red light is now flashing. All hands, report to stations," Thorp said. He also said that universities and associations must present a united front to influence Congress. "Universities and associations must speak out as a united front to mobilize Congress and be ready to file lawsuits once the regulations are finalized."

The Office of Management and Budget stated in an email that its proposed changes are intended to bring accountability to the grantmaking process and ensure the wise use of taxpayer dollars. In 2025, the Trump administration terminated thousands of grants, although courts later reversed many of those terminations. The proposed rule contains multiple undefined terms, such as "national interest."