Trump Administration Purges Education Board in Politically Charged Move Against Research Integrity

The Trump Administration recently dismissed all 13 members of the National Board for Education Sciences (NBES), all appointed by Biden, highlighting a politically motivated attack on an essential federal education research body. This purge occurred on May 23, 2025, and comes as part of an ongoing strategy to undermine the Department of Education and dismantle its crucial functions.

The NBES was established by Congress in 2002 to guide the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) in shaping a $900 million research agenda aimed at improving educational outcomes and closing achievement gaps. However, the new leadership under Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon has shifted focus away from research integrity and into a narrative of alleged partisan influence, justifying these firings by claiming failures in student performance and excessive spending on research contracts.

Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the Education Department, stated that the board’s priorities were misaligned and cited poor results from the Nation’s Report Card as a measure of their purported failings. These claims, however, are largely viewed as a facade to mask a broader objective to politicize educational research and suppress diversity and inclusion efforts in schools.

Former NBES member Shaun Harper expressed outrage at the allegations, firmly denying any misconduct or political bias within the board’s activities. Harper noted their commitment as educators and researchers was solely to advance beneficial policies for democracy, contrary to the Administration’s mischaracterization. He further warned that dismantling the board without appropriate replacements would exacerbate educational inequities, particularly for underserved populations.

This significant shakeup raises concerns over the future of the IES and the integrity of educational research in America. As crucial contracts for long-term educational studies are canceled and insights into family dynamics and student needs diminish, students from marginalized groups face an increased risk of educational neglect. Trump’s systematic dismantling of the department not only undermines academic research but fundamentally threatens the principles of equity and access to quality education.