The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board collectively resigned in response to what it described as “unprecedented interference” by the Trump administration, which declined a substantial number of U.S. academics for the renowned Fulbright scholarships. These scholarships were intended for studies in fields spanning from biochemistry to history for the 2025-2026 academic year. According to a statement released on Substack, the 12-member board expressed concern that Trump aides might continue this trend by conducting an “unauthorized review” of 1,200 foreign Fulbright recipients.
The Fulbright scholarship program, originally established by Congress, grants the board ultimate approval over scholarship applicants. The board’s mass exodus highlights a significant rift between the board and the administration regarding the governance and oversight of the selection process. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the allocation of scholarships going forward, and how the board’s absence will shape the program’s administration.
Further details about these developments can be found in the original report by Bloomberg News.