Even if you don't care one bit about scientific research, it's important to recognise the value of publicly funding people working on very hard problems and training bright young minds on how to solve them. Do you think it’s a coincidence that so many successful entrepreneurs have a science background? The US didn’t become a global leader in technology and innovation by accident. It got there through decades of public investment in science, building research groups where young people could throw themselves at the toughest questions we face. Today, 49% of US unicorn CEOs hold STEM degrees, and 70% of founding teams include at least one person with a STEM background. That pipeline of innovation was forged in universities and national labs, not in boardrooms And when research is sustainably funded, the best international students come to US universities, and stay to build their companies (Elon Musk is one of them). Over 50% of international students in the U.S. are in STEM fields. Do you think this will continue if their research funding collapses by >70% and they can be kicked out at any time because the current government picks a fight with their University? In the 21st century, attracting smart young people is the most valuable resource any nation can have today. In the future it will become even more critical. Scientific research is one of the strongest magnets for talent. You can ignore it, but the US is dismantling one of its most powerful engines of innovation