Trump Administration Faces Resignation of Fulbright Board Over Alleged Political Interference

On June 11, 2025, twelve members of the Fulbright Board tendered their resignations, citing claims of political interference from the Trump administration that they deemed unlawful. The resignations come amidst the cancellation of nearly 200 Fulbright scholarships for American professors and researchers, which the State Department was expected to approve earlier this spring.

The Fulbright program, aimed at fostering international educational exchanges, saw its board expressing deep concern for actions taken by political appointees within the State Department. These appointees allegedly began revoking scholarships based on prospective scholars' research topics, despite the board’s prior approval following an extensive selection process. In addition, the department is reviewing nearly 1,200 applications from foreign scholars, casting further doubt on the integrity of the program.

A memo drafted by the board indicates that resigning members chose to step down rather than endorse what they describe as “unprecedented actions” that violate established legal protocols and compromise national interests. The board plans to formally announce their resignation and the memo's contents following a communication with the White House.

The ongoing turmoil surrounding the Fulbright program is part of a broader narrative of political influence within educational initiatives, raising pressing questions about autonomy in academic exchanges and the implications for U.S. diplomacy.