In a move that many are interpreting as a response to the growing skepticism surrounding scientific integrity, the President has officially invoked his constitutional authority to address a crisis of trust in scientific research. This decree, issued on May 23, 2025, outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at reinstating the credibility of federally funded science. The crux of the matter? Over the past five years, public confidence in scientists has plummeted, aggravated by incidents of data manipulation and misleading information disseminated by various government agencies.
Section 1. Policy and Purpose. Recent surveys reveal that a substantial portion of researchers in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics acknowledge a ‘reproducibility crisis’ in their disciplines. High-profile cases of data falsification have led to retractions of key studies funded by federal dollars. One striking example highlighted was the previous administration’s handling of COVID-19 guidelines, where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reportedly modified its school reopening recommendations under pressure from the American Federation of Teachers, ultimately discouraging in-person learning despite scientific evidence suggesting minimal risks for children. This misstep left many schools partially closed, severely impacting educational outcomes.
Moreover, the National Marine Fisheries Service was criticized for adopting an exaggerated assessment of the North Atlantic right whale population, which could have jeopardized the historic Maine lobster fishery. Legal challenges ensued, leading to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturning the agency’s opinion due to its reliance on dubious worst-case scenarios. Similarly, the use of the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenario 8.5—an unlikely outcome based on extreme assumptions—by federal agencies to project climate change effects has drawn sharp criticism for being alarmist. The previous administration’s approach to scientific matters also prompted concern by intertwining diversity, equity, and inclusion into the scientific process, further politicizing what many believe should be an objective enterprise.
To counter these trends, the current administration is committed to restoring a “gold standard” for science, aimed at ensuring transparency, rigorous methodologies, and credible data in federally funded research. The President emphasizes that restoring public trust in scientific institutions is paramount for effective governance, stating that reproducibility, rigor, and unbiased peer reviews must be upheld. This order seeks to revive the scientific integrity policies from the early days of this administration, mandating that agencies practice data transparency, recognize scientific uncertainties, and communicate findings accurately. By adhering to these guidelines, the administration aims to foster innovation and maintain America’s leadership in technology.
Sec 2. Definitions. For clarity, this order defines key terms:
(a) “Employee” refers to individuals as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2105.
(b) “Scientific information” encompasses a broad array of data and analyses across multiple disciplines, including behavioral and social sciences, public health, and engineering, delivered in various formats.
(c) “Scientific misconduct” is outlined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in research activities, explicitly excluding honest errors or differing opinions.
(d) “Senior appointee” refers to presidential appointees or non-career members of the Senior Executive Service.
(e) “Weight of scientific evidence” describes a systematic approach to integrating scientific data based on its quality and relevance, emphasizing transparency in the evaluation process.
Sec 3. Restoring Gold Standard Science.
(a) Within 30 days, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is tasked with developing guidelines for implementing “Gold Standard Science,” which includes reproducibility, transparency, acknowledgment of uncertainties, and unbiased peer review.
(b) Following these guidelines, agency heads are required to revise existing policies to align with the principles of Gold Standard Science.
(c) Each agency should incorporate these standards into their scientific practices before finalizing updated policies.
(d) Agency leaders must report on their progress in implementing these standards within 60 days of the guidance’s publication.
Sec 4. Improving the Use, Interpretation, and Communication of Scientific Data.
Within 30 days, agencies must adopt rules to enhance how scientific data is utilized and reported, including:
(a) Prohibiting scientific misconduct and reliance on tainted information.
(b) Promptly making public all influential scientific data and analyses, with exceptions for sensitive information.
(c) Acknowledging uncertainties in scientific assessments transparently.
(d) Ensuring that scientific information aligns with legal standards in policy-making.
(e) Clearly communicating assumptions and uncertainties involved in scientific models.
(f) Employing a “weight of scientific evidence” approach in decision-making.
(g) Ensuring that communications reflect the results of scientific evaluations and the associated uncertainties.
Sec 5. Interim Scientific Integrity Policies.
Until new policies are established, agencies will revert to scientific integrity practices from January 19, 2021, unless they conflict with this order.
(a) Agency heads must review and adjust policies issued between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025, to ensure compliance with the new directives.
(b) Agencies are encouraged to facilitate open discussions of scientific ideas and protect dissenting viewpoints.
Sec 6. Scope and Applicability.
(a) These policies apply to all employees involved in scientific information processes, regardless of their position.
(b) Contractors are expected to adhere to these rules as well.
(c) The guidelines focus solely on scientific aspects of agency decision-making.
Sec 7. Enforcement and Oversight.
(a) Agency heads must establish procedures for addressing violations of this order, led by a designated senior appointee.
(b) These processes will be the exclusive means to evaluate and resolve alleged infractions.
Sec 8. Waivers.
(a) Agency heads may request waivers for specific requirements of this order for valid reasons.
(b) The order applies to actions related to national security only as deemed appropriate by the agency head.
Sec 9. General Provisions.
(a) This order does not affect the legal authority of agencies.
(b) Implementation is subject to available funding and laws.
(c) It does not create enforceable rights for any individual or entity.
(d) The Office of Management and Budget will ensure the order is published in the Federal Register.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 23, 2025.
