In a powerful act of professional integrity, nearly 150 career scientists and workers at the National Science Foundation (NSF), represented by AFGE Local 3403, have delivered an unprecedented whistleblower complaint to Congress, sounding the alarm about the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on science, agency independence, and federal workers' rights.
“We’ve never had to do anything like this. But when civil service protections are stripped away and scientific merit is replaced by political loyalty, we have no choice,” said AFGE Local 3403 President Jesus Soriano, who represents employees at the NSF.
The dissenting employees detailed how the administration slashed the NSF's budget by 56% and withheld billions in Congressionally approved funding. Grants for vital research were abruptly ended based on political criteria dictated by the administration’s controversial "DOGE" initiative, spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Employees were subjected to intimidation tactics, with over 200 staff fired in a single day and many more forced into resignation or early retirement.
Speaking at a Capitol Hill press conference alongside Representative Zoe Lofgren, the ranking member on the House Science Committee which oversees NSF, AFGE National President Everett Kelley called the situation at NSF a "five-alarm fire." Kelley underscored that these actions amount to more than mere policy disagreements. "Career scientists and civil servants are being fired without cause, billions in research funding is being unlawfully withheld, and politically motivated interference is dismantling one of our most respected scientific agencies," he said. "This isn’t reform—it’s sabotage."
Representative Lofgren praised the courage of the whistleblowers, promising Congressional action. "I thank the 149 signers of the whistleblower disclosure for their bravery and their patriotism," she said. "I promise to do all I can to protect you, protect your agency, and protect our scientific enterprise."
AFGE’s determined advocacy is clear. By stepping forward despite intense pressure, NSF workers and union leaders like Jesús Soriano have highlighted the stakes: not just their jobs or agency, but the integrity and safety of public health and the future of American scientific leadership.
For AFGE members and all federal employees, the NSF workers’ bold stand sends a powerful message of solidarity, resilience, and resolve. The fight to protect federal workers, safeguard scientific integrity, and defend democracy continues, and AFGE members are at the forefront, committed to standing strong, together.
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