The Trump administration continues its relentless campaign against science, with no summer break in sight. The pattern of sidelining, ignoring, or undermining science in decision-making is well-established, following the plan laid out in Project 2025. Nearly half of the proposals from this project have been implemented in just the first eight months of the second Trump presidency, impacting real people, communities, and the planet.
Between January 20th and August 31st, 2025, there have been a total of 479 attacks on science in the federal government. These actions undermine, co-opt, or ignore science, representing a significant threat to evidence-based decision-making.
Despite these challenges, there have been wins for federal science. Recently, the Center for Science and Democracy, in collaboration with EarthJustice Action, facilitated meetings between experts and Congressional staffers. These conversations emphasized the importance of scientific integrity and the role of federal science in policymaking.
However, the attacks on science persist. FEMA and EPA employees who spoke out against anti-science actions have faced retaliation, including being placed on administrative leave or fired. Agencies like NIH, NASA, and NSF have also advocated for prioritizing science and preventing politicization of their work.
The administration has politicized science by granting political officials unusual power over research and science policy. Executive orders have given political appointees control over federal grant funding and research decisions, leading to concerns about the objectivity and integrity of scientific studies.
Furthermore, the administration dissolved EPA’s Office of Research and Development, consolidating scientific research oversight under political appointees. This move threatens the independence and credibility of scientific research within the agency.
The administration’s actions could set a dangerous precedent for research funding, prioritizing political agendas over scientific merit. This poses a significant risk to public health, safety, and environmental protection, as critical research may be overlooked or suppressed due to political considerations.
Despite these challenges, there are ways to fight back against attacks on science. Advocating for the Scientific Integrity Act and staying informed on related actions can help protect the integrity of federal science and ensure that evidence-based decision-making prevails.
