Researchers fear that the finalization of the "Schedule F" rule will further politicize National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant decisions.[1] The Trump administration is moving forward with a personnel rule that critics say will expose a broader swath of the federal workforce to political pressure.[1] The rule allows staff involved in grantmaking to be classified as "Schedule F" workers, eliminating some civilian service protections for program officers and NIH officials.[1] This makes it easier to be fired for "undermining presidential directives," which can affect research unpopular with one political party.[1] Thousands of comments were submitted on the proposed rule, with 94% opposed, but the final text published in the Federal Register on Thursday is essentially unchanged.[1] The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) estimates that the rule will affect 50,000 positions across the federal administration.[1][7][9] OPM has stated that Schedule F employees will undergo rigorous vetting, although enrollment is not automatic.[1] Jenna Norton, an NIH program officer, advised in her personal capacity to monitor the situation.[1]