The Pew Research Center recently released its annual survey results for 2025, shedding light on the public’s opinion on science in the United States. The survey highlighted a stark partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to the country’s global leadership in the sciences. While Democrats express concern over the slipping position of the U.S. in scientific achievements, Republicans seem largely unconcerned.
The survey revealed that overall trust in science has seen a slight increase from 76% in 2024 to 77% in 2025. Scientists emerged as the most trusted profession among those surveyed, a surprising finding given the tumultuous events of the previous year, including the Trump administration’s attacks on science. Despite these challenges, the American public’s response to these events seems muted, with no significant seismic shifts in opinion.
The Trump administration’s rhetoric downplaying the role of universities in scientific research may be influencing public sentiment, as evidenced by the survey results. Republican respondents displayed more distrust towards scientists compared to Democrats, a trend that has persisted for decades and intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Democrats are more likely to believe that the U.S. is losing ground in scientific achievement compared to other countries, while Republicans are more optimistic about the private sector’s ability to drive scientific progress without government investments. This divergence in opinions reflects broader political attitudes towards universities and their role in scientific research.
Despite these differences, there is a shared desire among Americans for the U.S. to maintain its position as a global leader in science. Most respondents view government investments in science as worthwhile, signaling a broad consensus on the importance of scientific advancement. Recent legislative efforts to push back against proposed cuts to federal science agencies reflect politicians’ recognition of the public’s support for science.
However, sociologist Philip Cohen emphasizes the need for scientists to actively engage with the public to foster trust. He argues that researchers play a crucial role in building public trust in science through everyday interactions, communication about their work, and participation in public debates. By actively engaging with the public, researchers can help bridge the political divide and strengthen trust in scientific institutions.
