Higher education and research organizations are escalating concerns over a Trump administration proposal that would tighten oversight of federal research grants by requiring political appointees to review new and existing awards. The change, outlined through a draft “Uniform Guidance” regulation from the Office of Management and Budget and open for public comment until July 13, would shift grant review authority away from traditional peer-review panels. The American Association for the Advancement of Science called the approach “a brazen power grab,” warning it would stifle future discoveries. American Council on Education argues the revisions would align discretionary grants with administration policy priorities. AAU President Barbara R. Snyder also warned in a letter that the proposal would “materially alter” foundational principles of federally supported research. Potential enforcement tools include termination of active grants deemed inconsistent with program goals or agency priorities. Separately, advocates say the proposal could restrict federal spending on activities tied to diversity, equity and inclusion and gender-affirming care, though the planned indirect cost cap referenced by critics is not included in the draft. The development arrives at a moment when institutions are already navigating uncertainty in federal education and research funding streams, increasing pressure on universities to adjust compliance, budgeting, and governance planning for R1 and research-intensive programs.