‘Waging war on science’: Researchers worry about their jobs under Trump 2.0

In the past, Donald Trump has not been known for his support of science and scientific research. From calling climate change a hoax to rolling back environmental policies and cutting expert guidance, Trump’s actions have raised concerns among the scientific community. His nominations of vaccine deniers and promises to reduce federal agency staffing have only added to these worries.

Jennifer Jones, the director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, described Trump’s approach as a “war on science and scientists.” This sentiment is echoed by many researchers who fear the implications of another Trump administration on their work.

Researchers at public and private universities, Ph.D. students, postdocs, and startup founders have expressed concerns about losing funding, facing restrictions in grant applications, and losing access to federal datasets. Some have even expressed fears for their safety. Many are hesitant to speak out openly, fearing further risk to their research.

Funding is a major concern for researchers, especially in fields like climate science, equity, and diversity initiatives. With Trump’s allies criticizing federal funding for projects related to gender, race, and social and environmental justice, researchers are uncertain about the future funding landscape. This uncertainty could impact research projects and hiring practices, particularly for underrepresented groups.

The changing federal research priorities under another Trump administration could lead to a reduction in funding for certain areas of study, further complicating the work of researchers. Despite the challenges ahead, many in the scientific community remain committed to their work, even as they navigate the uncertainties of the political landscape. As one Ph.D. student aptly put it, there are days when quitting feels like the only option, but the passion for their research keeps them going.

Another researcher, Bear Don’t Walk, expressed concerns about the impact of the current political climate on Indigenous scientists. “There’s a lot of Indigenous scientists that are leaving the field,” he said. “They’re not going to graduate school, they’re not going to finish their Ph.D., they’re not going to continue their postdoc because it’s just not worth it to them.” The barriers they face — including institutional racism, a lack of funding for Indigenous-led research, and a lack of representation in academia — are only compounded by the current political atmosphere.

In addition to the potential loss of talented scientists, there are concerns about the impact on the field as a whole. “There’s this broader chilling effect,” the California student said. “Where the really good scientists who are more aware of the implications of their work, who are more aware of the social and ethical implications of their work, they’re just gonna leave because they don’t want to be a part of this.” This brain drain could have serious consequences for the advancement of science and the solutions to pressing global challenges.

Protecting the Integrity of Science

Despite the challenges and uncertainties facing scientists under the current political climate, there are efforts underway to protect the integrity of science and ensure that researchers can continue their work without fear of political interference.

Organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists and others are advocating for policies that support scientific integrity, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making. They are working to hold government officials accountable for their actions and to push back against efforts to undermine scientific research and evidence.

Individual scientists are also taking steps to protect themselves and their work. Some are seeking alternative sources of funding to reduce their dependence on federal grants, while others are collaborating with colleagues and organizations to amplify their voices and support each other in the face of political challenges.

At the heart of these efforts is a commitment to upholding the values of science and ensuring that researchers can continue to pursue knowledge and innovation for the betterment of society. While the road ahead may be challenging, the dedication and resilience of the scientific community offer hope for a future where science and democracy can thrive together.

The words of Rebekah Jones, a former data scientist for the state of Florida, resonate deeply with many scientists and researchers across the country. Her experience of being silenced and intimidated by the government is a stark reminder of the challenges facing those who seek to serve the public good through science.

Jones, who was responsible for managing the state’s COVID-19 dashboard, found herself at odds with the administration over the transparency of data and the presentation of information to the public. As she tried to maintain the integrity of her work and ensure that accurate information was being shared, she faced pushback and retaliation from her superiors.

“It was just increasingly clear to me that I was, at best, going to have to just shut up, crawl underneath the table, and not do the work that I thought I had been brought to do,” Jones lamented. Her experience serves as a cautionary tale for other scientists who may find themselves in similar situations.

The current political climate, with its attacks on science and experts, only exacerbates the challenges faced by those working in the field. As the Trump administration continues to undermine the credibility of scientific research and data, many fear that the public trust in science will erode, leading to a decrease in the number of individuals willing to serve the greater good through their work.

Jones’ concerns about the future of science in America are valid. If scientists are silenced and intimidated, if their work is undermined and discredited, then who will step up to address the pressing issues facing our society? Who will provide the knowledge and expertise needed to tackle complex problems and find solutions?

As we move forward, it is essential that we support and protect those who are dedicated to serving the public good through science. We must value transparency, integrity, and honest communication in all aspects of research and data analysis. Only by upholding these principles can we ensure that science continues to be a force for good in our society.