curtailment

"The curtailments are a painful measure to take, but are necessary following a devastating event which we are still working through and an unusual combination of external events," it said.

Musk has already moved forward with major cuts, including sweeping workforce reductions, the curtailment of government operations and purges of entire agencies.

Other scientists who spoke to the BBC pointed out that an attempt to remove Mr Musk's fellowship could be seen as political interference and a curtailment of freedom of expression.

"Today's strike is a testament to the frustration and anger, not just at the latest curtailment, but the long-term disinvestment in Irish language funding," he added.

Some foreign players, such as Iran and Russia, have seen for now at least the curtailment of the overweening influence they once had.