Federal agencies are moving toward a tighter, appointee-driven process for evaluating and potentially terminating research and other federal grants, according to a proposal that would shift review authority away from independent peer reviewers. Advocates argue the executive-branch discretion would allow cancellations mid-project based on political priorities, increasing uncertainty for multiyear funding plans. The proposal would convert current grant guidance into a harder rule and aims to “depoliticize” grant-making by establishing a more top-down system. Critics note that courts have previously stepped in when retroactive or sweeping cuts violated protocols, and lawmakers are watching whether the new rule reduces legal friction. The comment record underscores the stakes: the proposal had drawn 341,699 public responses by the end of the comment period. For universities and researchers, the immediate impact is heightened compliance risk and more volatility in long-term grant management and contracting.