The Trump administration has dismissed all 22 members of the National Science Board, according to multiple reports, in a move that comes just days before the board planned to release a report examining how the United States is losing scientific ground to China.

The National Science Board serves as the governing body for the National Science Foundation and provides scientific policy advice to the federal government. Board members typically serve six-year terms and are appointed by the president.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the board members had been preparing to publish findings suggesting that China has been gaining significant ground in scientific research and development capabilities relative to the United States. The timing of the dismissals, coming so close to the planned report release, has raised questions about potential political motivations.

The action appears to be part of broader changes to federal science agencies during the final weeks of the Trump administration. The Environmental Protection Agency has also undergone significant restructuring, with its independent research office being dismantled after decades of conducting scientific work with limited political interference.

The National Science Foundation has not immediately responded to requests for comment about how the board dismissals will affect ongoing scientific policy initiatives or the planned China competitiveness report.

The moves come as the United States faces increasing competition from China in key areas of scientific research, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies.