"The president is expected to nominate former deputy health secretary Jim O’Neill to lead the science agency."

"President Donald Trump plans to nominate a former senior aide to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as director of the National Science Foundation.

Jim O’Neill, who left his post as HHS deputy secretary as part of a broader shakeup at that department, will be nominated as the next head of the science agency, a White House official confirmed Wednesday. The New York Times previously reported the expected nomination.

O’Neill is “eminently qualified” for the position and the “White House has confidence” that he’ll deliver on the president’s agenda, the White House official said."

Robin Bravender reports for E&E News February 18, 2026. [2]