The Trump administration is steering American science towards an AI-driven future, with $5 billion in grants for projects that prioritize artificial intelligence and robotics. Critics argue this approach could undermine traditional scientific research, which often yields unpredictable but profound results.

Michael Kratsios, the White House’s science adviser, envisions a ‘New Golden Age’ where political appointees have unprecedented control over federal funding. This shift from institutions to individual scientists and private companies is reminiscent of Silicon Valley startup culture, highlighting a fundamental misalignment with how basic research operates.

“We may well end up in the situation where AI will have a few major insights buried under mountains of slop,” warns one researcher. The Genesis Mission grants, selected from over 5,000 applications, aim to accelerate scientific discovery through AI but are criticized for their narrow focus and potential to stifle broader, more serendipitous research.

The administration’s manifesto suggests moving away from open-ended basic research towards goal-oriented projects. While this approach might yield measurable results quickly, it risks overlooking the unpredictable nature of true scientific breakthroughs that often come serendipitously. The legacy of Vannevar Bush, who championed open-ended basic research, may be in jeopardy as the US shifts towards a more commercialized and politically driven model.