Science is.being significantly diminished by the Trump administration through various actions that undermined scientific integrity, research, and environmental protections. ?
My book, The Trump Files, documented their actions in 2022. They previewed how Trump is silencing scientific research. At least six federal agencies support this research. These include the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control.
Key ways science was affected are as follows. Nevertheless, you should know that these actions occurred during Trump’s first term (Trump 1.0) in office.
Censorship and Attacks on Science Agencies
- Censorship and Suppression: Scientific research was halted, edited, or suppressed. ? For example, the Trump administration blocked the publication of climate research and undermined reports on endangered species. ?
- Rolling Back Environmental Regulations: The administration reversed or weakened over 100 environmental rules. These included those related to air pollution. They also covered water pollution and toxic substances. ? Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, undermining global climate change efforts. ?
- Attacks on Science Agencies: Agencies like the EPA, CDC, and USDA were weakened. ? The EPA saw mass resignations, reduced budgets, and rules that limited the use of scientific studies. The CDC faced political interference, including altered COVID-19 reports to align with Trump’s public comments. ?
Politicization, Staff Reductions, Conspiracy Theories
- Politicization of Science: Scientific grants and advisory committees were politicized, with decisions favoring industry interests over scientific evidence. ? For example, EPA grants were reviewed by political appointees. ?
- Staff Reductions and Relocation: Thousands of scientists left federal agencies. They faced hostile work environments and budget cuts. Forced relocation, like the USDA’s move to Kansas City, also contributed.
- Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories: Trump spread misinformation about COVID-19, including suggesting injecting bleach as a treatment. ? Conspiracy theories replaced evidence-based thinking, eroding public trust in science. ?
- Delays in Leadership: The Office of Science and Technology Policy remained vacant for two years. There was no one to guide the president on science and technology.
- Weakening Climate Change Efforts: FEMA removed climate change from its strategic plan, and NASA’s carbon monitoring system lost funding. ?
Morale and Integrity
- Morale and Integrity Issues: Scientists were muzzled. Morale dropped. Workplace environments deteriorated. These factors led to resignations and reduced effectiveness in federal science agencies. ?
Trump 2.0
During the first 100 days of Trump 2.0, the silencing of science continues, but at a more alarming rate. Dana Willbanks, in a Climate Law article, sums up how the Trump administration affected science. This blog article is from the Sabin Center. Willbanks says that during the first three months of Trump’s return, the following have happened.
- Thousands of employees were laid off. The layoffs included scientists and researchers. This affected the EPA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the HHS, and all other federal agencies.
- Deleted or revised essential data and critical information from federal websites.
- Terminated ongoing research into Covid-19. Ended the study of the health impacts of climate change. Ceased any activity the administration defines as related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
- Appointed unqualified and even dangerous people to key positions.
- Censored federal scientists.
Dana Willbanks,100 Days of Trump 2.0: Silencing Science [Again], Climate Law, April 30, 2025.
I’ll get back to you on this topic in the days ahead. I will examine details about funding. I will also look into higher education and the sabotage of research.
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