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• Nearly all members of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board resigned, citing President Trump’s administration interference in the selection process.
• The administration denied awards to a substantial number of selected recipients and initiated unauthorized reviews for 1,200 foreign scholarship recipients.
• The board members believe these actions are unlawful and undermine the program’s integrity and mission.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, established by Congress nearly 80 years ago, oversees a prestigious international exchange program. The program promotes American diplomacy and awards about 9,000 scholarships annually to students, scholars, and professionals worldwide.

Core Players

• Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board – Oversees the Fulbright scholarship program.
• President Trump Administration – Accused of interfering with the award selection process.
• Department of State – The department under which the Fulbright program operates.

Key Numbers

• 9,000 – Annual number of scholarships awarded by the Fulbright program.
• 1,200 – Number of foreign scholarship recipients undergoing unauthorized review.
• 80 years – Age of the Fulbright program since its establishment by Congress.
• 160+ – Number of countries participating in the Fulbright program.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The resignation of nearly all Fulbright board members was triggered by President Trump’s administration’s interference in the selection process. The board stated that the administration denied awards to a substantial number of individuals who had already been selected for the 2025-2026 academic year.

“To continue to serve after the Administration has consistently ignored the Board’s request that they follow the law would risk legitimizing actions we believe are unlawful and damage the integrity of this storied program and America’s credibility abroad,” the board members said.

Inside Forces

The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board operates within the Department of State and is mandated by Congress. The board’s authority has been usurped by President Trump’s administration, leading to a significant conflict over the program’s management.

The board members raised legal concerns and voiced strong objections multiple times with senior officials in the President Trump’s administration, who have refused to respond or acknowledge the members.

Power Dynamics

The President Trump’s administration’s actions have significant implications for the power dynamics within the Fulbright program. By denying awards and initiating unauthorized reviews, the administration has asserted its influence over a program that was designed to be independent and merit-based.

This move undermines the board’s authority and the program’s mission to promote international exchange and American diplomacy.

Outside Impact

The resignation of the Fulbright board members has broader implications for U.S. national interests and the integrity of academic and cultural exchange programs. It raises concerns about the politicization of educational programs and the potential damage to America’s credibility abroad.

The actions could also impact the careers and educational opportunities of the affected scholarship recipients.

Future Forces

The future of the Fulbright program is uncertain following the board’s resignation. The program may face significant challenges in maintaining its integrity and independence.

Potential next steps include Congressional intervention to address the legal concerns raised by the board and to ensure the program’s continued operation in accordance with its original mandate.

Data Points

• June 12, 2025 – Date of the Fulbright board members’ resignation.
• 1946 – Year the Fulbright program was established by Congress.
• 13 – Number of board members who resigned (nearly all members).
• 9,000 – Annual number of scholarships awarded by the Fulbright program.