Federal Grant Approval Process Reshaped by Executive Order
Forbes, August 10, 2025 — A recent executive order in the healthcare sector reshapes the federal grant approval process by requiring senior political appointees within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review and approve all grants. The directive stipulates that grants must clearly support the president's policy agenda, marking a significant shift toward increased politicization of federal funding decisions.
Implementation and Oversight
Under this order, each HHS agency, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), must appoint a senior political official tasked with evaluating grants during both the announcement and awarding phases. The goal is to ensure that all funded projects align with national priorities and the administration's objectives.
Implications and Concerns
The order does not specify which topics are considered off-limits or how broader national interests are defined. However, it emphasizes that grants failing to meet these new criteria cannot be awarded, raising concerns about potential impacts on scientific research and public health initiative...