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To the Journal editor:
Given President Trump's record of incompetence and corruption, it should be no surprise that, for the first time in the history of the position, the president's science advisor is not a scientist.
Michael Kratsios, who is also the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, has not earned a PhD or even an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. His only degree is a BA in politics from Princeton.
Before being confirmed to this position by the U.S. Senate, Mr. Kratsios had worked at an investment fund run by Peter Thiel, a wealthy supporter of the president and vice-president. Mr. Kratsios comes to his position with the perspective of a venture capitalist, not a scientist.
Last week he released a report entitled, "Science: A New Golden Age," in which he presents a vision of the future that includes changing the way federal funding for research is allocated.
A New York Times article, "Trump's Plan for Science: More Money for AI, Less for Universities," on July 22, states that the Trump administration would "prioritize artificial intelligence, robotics and nuclear energy while reducing the government's focus on what he calls 'life sciences.'"
AI has unlimited access to private investment and does not need federal funding. This looks like the now familiar scheme where federal funds are channeled to the wealthiest and most influential corporate special interests. At the same time, funding will be cut from universities, federal agencies, and national research institutes for basic research on important issues like cancer treatment, understanding emerging diseases, forest management, and food production in a changing climate.
Appointing a venture capitalist to be science advisor comes at the same time that President Trump proposes that scientific research be screened by political appointees, instead of the current system of peer review by qualified scientists. The DOGE fiasco led by Elon Musk cut funding, programs, positions, and training for research from many federal agencies. President Trump's vendetta against universities has further reduced their federal research funding, terminated educational and research programs, and resulted in many of our most advanced students and talented scientists moving to positions in other countries. Now President Trump wants to cut 40 percent of the funding for the National Science Foundation.
Most Americans have a bedrock belief that science will show us the way to solve our most vexing problems and position the United States as a leader in the future. Venture capitalists meddling with federal funding for scientific research does not serve our country well.