Fulbright Board Resigns Amid Claims of Political Interference by Trump Administration

The board of the renowned Fulbright program, which facilitates international educational exchanges, has seen all twelve members resign in a protest against the Trump administration’s alleged political meddling. According to a draft memo obtained by The New York Times, the board claims that political appointees at the State Department are unlawfully canceling Fulbright scholarships for approximately 200 American scholars slated to travel abroad this summer. Members, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen, express deep concern over actions taken by the State Department's office of public diplomacy, which reportedly began dispatching rejection letters to scholars based primarily on their research topics. This contradicted the board's decisions made after a year-long selection process completed in the winter. Additionally, the State Department is reviewing the applications of about 1,200 foreign scholars previously approved by the board, who were also expected to receive acceptance letters in April.The board members' draft memo articulates their rationale for resigning: they wish to avoid endorsing actions they deem illegal, detrimental to U.S. national interests and integrity, and undermining the missions established by Congress nearly 80 years ago for the Fulbright program. They intend to publicly share their resignation letter with the White House alongside the memo.