Fulbright Board Resignation Sparks Controversy Over Political Interference

On June 11, 2025, members of the Fulbright Board took a stand against what they describe as illegal interference from the State Department regarding scholarship allocations, resulting in their resignation.

In a dramatic statement reflecting escalating tensions within the Trump administration, the Fulbright Board of the esteemed international exchange program announced their collective resignation. The board members, including U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, expressed grave concerns over political appointees within the State Department potentially acting unlawfully by retracting scholarships intended for nearly 200 American professors and researchers. These scholars had undergone a rigorous selection process and were slated to embark on opportunities abroad by this summer.

Although the Fulbright Board submitted the names of the chosen scholars for approval in winter, the State Department failed to dispatch acceptance letters by the April deadline. Instead, a startling revelation occurred when the board learned that rejection letters were being sent out, with reasons linked primarily to individual research topics that the appointees disapproved of.

Further complicating the situation, the department is re-evaluating applications from over 1,200 foreign scholars previously vetted and approved by the board to study in the U.S. This unexpected scrutiny too threatens to halt their educational journeys.

The board stressed in their resignation memo that they could not endorse actions they believe infringe upon legal integrity, U.S. national interests, and the core mission of the Fulbright program, which was established nearly eight decades ago to promote educational and cultural exchange.

A public announcement that includes their resignation letter to the White House was expected to be released shortly after the resignation became public knowledge.