National Academies Face Scrutiny Over Taxpayer Funding and "Left-Wing Initiatives"

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), a prominent organization advising the nation on critical issues, is facing increased scrutiny regarding its use of taxpayer funds and its engagement in activities perceived as promoting a liberal agenda. Recent reports highlight significant federal funding received by NASEM, coupled with high executive salaries and investments in initiatives related to climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

According to its own Treasurer’s Report, NASEM received over $200 million in taxpayer funding through grants and contracts in 2023. This substantial financial support, which the New York Times reported constitutes approximately 70% of NASEM’s budget, has raised questions about the organization’s priorities and accountability to the public.

Concerns have been amplified by the substantial salaries paid to NASEM’s top executives. Financial documents reveal that several individuals hold positions with annual compensation exceeding $1 million. These include National Academy of Medicine President Victor Dzau, National Academy of Engineering President John Anderson, and National Academies President Marcia McNutt. The hefty salaries, particularly in light of NASEM’s reliance on public funding, have fueled criticism and demands for greater transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Furthermore, scrutiny has been directed toward NASEM’s initiatives focusing on issues such as climate change, racism, and health equity. Critics argue that these initiatives reflect a left-leaning bias and are not aligned with NASEM’s core mission of providing objective scientific advice.

Specifically, NASEM has organized and supported events and reports that address topics such as environmental injustice, structural racism, and their impact on marginalized communities. These activities have included discussions on how environmental factors disproportionately affect communities of color, workshops examining the role of spatial justice in public health disparities, and reports recommending policies to improve racial and ethnic health equity.

One particular workshop explored the ways in which environmental injustice and structural racism exacerbate the effects of climate change on communities of color, with attendees discussing strategies to influence elected officials on climate policy through storytelling, including amplifying the voices of indigenous communities.

Another workshop examined the role of spatial justice in perpetuating public health problems among historically marginalized communities. Spatial justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in geographic space, and the workshop explored how unequal access to resources like healthcare, healthy food, and safe environments can contribute to health disparities.

NASEM also organized an event that examined how structural racism and biased social norms, including representation in media and body image, contribute to obesity. This event highlighted the ways in which societal factors can influence health outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups.

Additionally, NASEM issued reports detailing recommendations for federal policies to improve racial, ethnic, and tribal health equity. These reports advocated for targeted interventions and policies to address health disparities and promote equitable access to healthcare and other resources.

Moreover, a 2023 report titled "Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEMM Organizations" recommended ways to address widespread racial discrimination in science, engineering, and mathematics organizations in the U.S. The report highlighted the need for systemic changes to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for underrepresented groups in STEMM fields.

NASEM also outlined the need to define and incorporate structural racism into scientific study and policymaking, emphasizing the importance of understanding the systemic factors that contribute to racial inequalities in various aspects of society. A workshop further examined anti-Black racism in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, identifying policies and practices that perpetuate racism in these fields and laying a foundation for anti-racist outcomes.

The organization’s involvement in these types of initiatives has drawn criticism from those who believe that NASEM should focus solely on providing objective scientific advice and avoid engaging in politically charged social and political issues.

Furthermore, NASEM’s chief diversity and inclusion officer, Laura Castillo-Page, earned a salary of $333,788 in 2023, adding to the concerns about the organization’s prioritization of DEI initiatives.

Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academies, has also faced scrutiny for her criticism of Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), on social media. McNutt stated that she could no longer be part of a platform that actively encourages disinformation and amplifies misinformation, particularly when its CEO colludes to undermine democracy. This public stance has raised questions about whether NASEM’s leadership is exhibiting political bias.

In response to these concerns, a NASEM spokesperson defended the organization’s work, stating that it conducts hundreds of studies, workshops, and other activities at the request of federal and state agencies, Congress, foundations, and private-sector sponsors on a variety of critical issues facing the nation. The spokesperson added that NASEM’s work has advanced the American economy, strengthened national security, bolstered U.S. global competitiveness, and improved the nation’s health and safety. The spokesperson also noted that 58% of NASEM’s funding came from the government in 2024.

The spokesperson also stated that NASEM has taken measures to ensure compliance with executive orders, including closing its Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This decision follows the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate DEI initiatives from the federal government, as well as Elon Musk’s focus on reducing DEI efforts at X.

The future impact of these efforts on NASEM’s operations remains unclear, but the organization’s spending and activities are likely to continue to be subject to scrutiny, particularly in the context of ongoing debates about the role of government funding in scientific research and the appropriate scope of DEI initiatives.

The controversy surrounding NASEM highlights the broader debate about the role of science in society and the potential for bias in scientific research and policy recommendations. As NASEM navigates these challenges, it will be crucial for the organization to maintain transparency, uphold its commitment to objectivity, and ensure that its work serves the best interests of the nation.