The Trump administration has come under fire for its recent actions that have suppressed, undermined, and invalidated the role of science in the federal government. Within the first two weeks of being back in the White House, the administration has taken at least 18 steps to censor federal scientists, pause grant reviews, and ignore the best available science. These actions have raised concerns about the administration’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and the protection of public health and the environment.
One of the most alarming actions taken by the administration is the censorship of federal scientists and the halt of critical reports and communications from agencies such as the CDC, FDA, and NIH. By preventing federal scientists from releasing reports and communicating with the public, the administration is not only undermining the scientific process but also hindering the dissemination of important public health information.
Additionally, the administration has imposed constraints on agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, such as halting grant review panels, banning travel for scientists, and pausing federal advisory committee meetings. These actions have far-reaching implications for scientific research and collaboration, both within and outside the federal government.
The administration’s targeting of climate science is also cause for concern, with executive orders making it easier to extract and use fossil fuels and withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. These actions go against the best available science on the negative impacts of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, prioritizing the interests of corporations over science and the public interest.
Furthermore, the administration’s elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) considerations in federal government policies and funding poses a threat to marginalized communities, who are disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental injustices. By placing restrictions on federal funding that force scientists to reject DEI principles, the administration is engaging in political interference in science and undermining the ability to conduct unbiased research.
In a departure from the best available science, the administration has also issued executive orders that restrict how the federal government can acknowledge sex and gender identity, effectively erasing the existence of intersex, transgender, and non-binary individuals. These orders not only invalidate entire populations of people but also ignore the scientific evidence on biological sex and gender identity.
As the Trump administration continues to attack science and silence scientists, organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists are advocating for policy informed by research and the scientific process. It is essential for individuals to stay informed and engaged in efforts to protect science and evidence-based policymaking. If you want to get involved in this important work, visit the “Save Science, Save Lives” webpage on the Union of Concerned Scientists’ website. Together, we can push back against attempts to ignore the best available science in favor of political interests and corporate agendas.
