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Taxpayer Funds Fuel High Salaries and Controversial Initiatives at National Academies
FIRST ON FOX: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine stands at the center of a financial and ethical debate as it has received hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer funding in recent years. This prestigious institution allocates considerable salaries to its executives while also supporting a range of initiatives that some critics view as politically charged.
The National Academies, commonly known as NASEM, derives approximately 70% of its budget from federal resources. In 2023, the organization reported receiving $200,616,000 from taxpayer-funded grants and contracts, as detailed in its Treasurer’s Report.
Examples of NASEM’s executive compensation underscore the organization’s financial priorities. Victor Dzau, the President of the National Academy of Medicine, earns a salary of $1,026,973 annually. Likewise, John Anderson, President of the National Academy of Engineering, receives $1,027,185. Furthermore, Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academies, commands a yearly salary of $1,061,843.
In addition to high executive salaries, NASEM’s chief diversity and inclusion officer, Laura Castillo-Page, earned $333,788 in 2023. This expenditure highlights the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, commonly referred to as DEI initiatives.
Funding Controversies and Political Initiatives
NASEM has utilized its federal funding to promote various liberal causes, which has sparked criticism from different quarters. Among these efforts are events addressing topics such as climate change and health equity, where discussions have centered on issues like structural racism’s impact on public health.
In 2021, NASEM coordinated an event that examined how environmental injustice and structural racism contribute to the challenges faced by communities of color. The event encouraged attendees to leverage storytelling to influence policymakers on climate-related issues, citing the profound perspectives of indigenous communities on the existential threats posed by climate change.
A NASEM workshop also emphasized how spatial justice can complicate public health outcomes for historically marginalized communities. This tendency to connect public health with broader social justice frameworks seems to resonate deeply within certain sectors of society, yet it raises questions about the appropriateness and scope of such initiatives.
Shaping Policy through Research and Reports
The organization issued a report in 2023 that recommended policy changes to enhance racial, ethnic, and tribal health equity. Another report, also released in 2023, titled Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEMM Organizations, provided strategies to combat racial discrimination in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics sectors.
Moreover, a 2022 NASEM report called attention to the urgent need to define and integrate structural racism into scientific inquiry and policymaking. In a related workshop from 2021, NASEM explored anti-Black racism within the realms of science, engineering, and medicine, aiming to identify practices that perpetuate racism in those fields.
Criticism and Responses from NASEM
The implications of NASEM’s expenditures come at a time of heightened scrutiny over government spending and DEI initiatives. Following the recent DOGE efforts led by Elon Musk and initiatives from the Trump administration aimed at eliminating DEI programs from federal operations, NASEM’s role in such discussions has come under intense focus.
In response to inquiries, a NASEM spokesperson stated: “Each year, the National Academies conduct hundreds of studies, workshops, and activities in response to requests from federal and state agencies, Congress, the private sector, and foundations concerning critical national issues.”
The spokesperson added that increasingly, approximately 58% of NASEM’s funding arrived from government sources in 2024. This dependence on federal funding highlights the organization’s role in advising the government on a variety of pressing issues. They further elaborated, “Our work has advanced the American economy, enhanced national security, improved global competitiveness, and contributed positively to public health and safety.”
NASEM’s Adaptation to Changing Political Landscapes
Historically, NASEM has adjusted its approach in response to political shifts. For instance, under the Trump administration’s executive order to eliminate DEI from federal operations, the organization shuttered its DEI program and removed related content from its website. The extent of DOGE’s influence over NASEM’s daily operations as pressures continue to mount remains uncertain.
Moreover, while NASEM’s leadership has faced criticism for its public statements, including statements against disinformation platforms, their overall strategies have not undergone drastic changes in response to public scrutiny.
The evolving landscape of governance and academia underscores the complex relationship between taxpayer funding, executive salaries, and the promotion of particular initiatives. As NASEM navigates these challenges, the dialogue around its role and impact will likely continue to intensify.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NASEM
The unfolding narratives around NASEM provide critical insights into the broader discussions about accountability in federally funded institutions. As taxpayers continue to confront rising public dissatisfaction regarding spending practices, members of the public may push for more transparency and scrutiny in how organizations like NASEM allocate their resources.
Ultimately, the balance between advocacy for diversity and equity versus fiscal responsibility will define NASEM’s identity in the coming years. The organization may need to re-evaluate its priorities in light of public sentiment and governmental changes. The ongoing scrutiny ensures that NASEM’s practices and policies remain a topic of significant national interest.
