While the DOE claims the plan will save taxpayers $405 million, research groups say it’s a “ruinous” policy that will “slow the pace of American research and innovation.”

“The purpose of Department of Energy funding to colleges and universities is to support scientific research—not foot the bill for administrative costs and facility upgrades,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said in the memo. “With President Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring every dollar of taxpayer funding is being used efficiently to support research and innovation—saving millions for the American people.”