Ex-Trump Science Chief Rallies Academia Against NIH Overhead Cuts

Former White House science adviser Kelvin Droegemeier is spearheading a campaign by U.S. universities and scientific societies to counter the Trump administration’s plan to curb federal payments for research overhead, also known as indirect costs. The National Institutes of Health has proposed cutting billions of dollars that help institutions cover laboratory space, utilities and administrative support—funds universities say are essential to maintaining the nation’s research infrastructure. Droegemeier, a meteorology professor who headed the Office of Science and Technology Policy during part of Donald Trump’s first term, has leveraged ties on Capitol Hill to assemble an alternative framework aimed at preserving a larger share of overhead reimbursements. He has met with House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole and other lawmakers to gauge support, positioning himself as a rare figure with credibility among both academic researchers and conservative policymakers. The coalition—still refining its proposal—argues that steep cuts would erode U.S. scientific leadership and push talent overseas. By floating a detailed counter-plan before the administration finalizes its budget, Droegemeier hopes to give Congress a bipartisan blueprint for sustaining federal research investment while addressing concerns about cost transparency.