Trump Administration Cuts Threaten US AI Research

The Trump administration's recent budget cuts and layoffs at the National Science Foundation (NSF) are raising concerns about the future of AI research in the US, according to Bloomberg. The NSF, a key federal agency for AI research, has been significantly impacted, with 170 employees, including many AI experts, being laid off.

These layoffs are part of broader budget cuts that threaten the NSF's ability to sustain AI research at a scale necessary for maintaining US competitiveness in the field. The Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, which plays a crucial role in distributing government grants for AI, has been particularly affected, leading to postponed or canceled review panels and stalled funding for AI projects.

Critics, including AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, have voiced their concerns over these cuts, particularly those advocated by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. Hinton has publicly criticized Musk, calling for his expulsion from the British Royal Society due to the perceived damage to US scientific institutions. Musk responded to these criticisms on X, stating his willingness to correct any mistakes.