Judicial ruling enabling executive-directed defunding of federal research represents institutional capture through resource reallocation. Rule of law (3.5): court validates politically-motivated funding withholding, creating precedent for judicial deference to executive resource control. Separation of powers (4.0): judiciary enables executive branch to redirect congressionally-appropriated research funds, undermining legislative power of the purse and agency independence. Capture (3.5): NSF funding decisions appear driven by political directives rather than scientific merit, representing institutional capture of research infrastructure. Civil rights (1.5): impacts academic freedom and scientific inquiry indirectly. Corruption (2.0): potential politicization of grant processes. Severity multipliers: durability 1.1 (creates precedent for future political interference), reversibility 1.0 (funding can be restored but institutional trust damaged), precedent 1.15 (establishes judicial approval for politically-directed research defunding). Mechanism modifier 1.15 for resource_reallocation affecting federal research infrastructure. Scope modifier 1.1 for federal-level impact on national research ecosystem. B-score moderate: some outrage in academic/scientific communities but limited mainstream media appeal, low meme potential, timing suggests pattern of institutional pressure.