The past six months under President Trump’s administration have been tumultuous, to say the least. The relentless attacks on science, democracy, and public safety have left many of us feeling overwhelmed and disheartened. As scientists, it is crucial for us to document these harms and continue to fight back against the damaging policies being implemented.
In our new report, “Science and Democracy Under Siege,” we provide a detailed account of the numerous assaults on science carried out by the Trump administration. From dismantling federal agencies to rolling back health and safety protections, the damage being done is extensive. However, we are not backing down. We have a clear strategy in place to minimize the harm, make progress on our issues, and pave the way for a better future.
One of our key strengths is the ability to unite the scientific community and amplify our political power. Through our Science Network, which comprises nearly 20,000 scientists and technical experts, we have been able to mobilize support and push back against the administration’s anti-science agenda. We have organized sign-on letters to Congress, rallied scientists at events like the Stand Up for Science rally in Washington, DC, and collaborated with scientific societies to raise awareness about the importance of federal science.
Driving the narrative is another essential aspect of our work. We are focused on highlighting the real-world impacts of the administration’s attacks on science. By releasing regular updates and engaging with the media, we are making sure that the public understands the dangers of sidelining science. Our experts have been featured in national news outlets, sharing insights on how budget cuts and anti-science policies are detrimental to our health and safety.
In addition to raising awareness, we are actively engaging with lawmakers to push for policies that protect science and public well-being. We have worked with members of Congress on bipartisan initiatives, such as extending and expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, to support communities affected by radiation exposure. We have also provided resources for our supporters to engage with their elected officials and advocate for science-based decision-making.
As we continue to hold the line against the administration’s attacks, we are also making progress where possible. Collaborating with state agencies and legislatures, we have seen positive developments, such as Maine passing a law to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity sources. Additionally, we are working to strengthen policies around electric vehicle adoption and promote renewable energy use in the Midwest.
Despite the challenges we face, we remain committed to fighting for a better future. We are actively working to protect scientific integrity across the federal government, advocate for laws that safeguard science, and support federal scientists who have been impacted by the administration’s policies. Our goal is to continue advocating for a safe, healthy, and sustainable world for future generations.
