Nearly three in four recipients of the 2024 Truman Scholarship have clear ties to Democratic politicians or progressive causes, according to a College Fix analysis. Approximately 43 out of 60 students have worked for Democratic politicians, advocated for progressive causes, or identify as left-leaning.
In contrast, only five scholars have worked for Republican politicians, advocated for conservative causes, or identify as right-leaning.
Terry Babcock-Lumish, the executive secretary of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, denied claims of political favoritism, stating:
“The Truman Foundation’s selection process is based solely on applicants’ demonstrated commitment to public service, leadership potential, and academic excellence.”
“Our annual competition requires nominations from undergraduate institutions, so the Truman Scholars we select are reflective of the pool of candidates that we have before us. If students are not nominated or do not apply, we cannot select them.”
The Democratic politicians whom the 2024 scholarship winners have worked or interned for include Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, California Rep. Adam Schiff, Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, and Michigan state Rep. Abraham Aiyash.
Awardees have also been involved with left-wing organizations, including Planned Parenthood Generation Action, College Democrats, Young Democrats, Equal Rights Advocates, and Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Resolution.
A few recipients worked for Republican politicians, including Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty, Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran, and Tennessee Rep. Diana Harshbarger.
The $30,000 scholarship is awarded to approximately 60 students annually, selected from a pool of about 800 applicants. Awardees pledge to spend three of their first seven years after finishing graduate school in public service.
The scholarship foundation was established by Congress as a federal memorial to President Harry Truman. The foundation’s board of trustees has a bipartisan makeup, as directed by federal statute.