Updates to this feature are currently paused as we assess the best way to monitor and expose the large number of attacks on science that we're seeing from the current administration.
Science is at the core of a healthy democracy. But for years, presidential administrations have, in differing ways, sidelined scientific evidence and attacked scientific integrity.
Below is a running list of attacks on science. They include disappearing data, silenced scientists, suppressed studies, and other assaults on science-based policy. The list provides a representative sample of threats to the federal scientific enterprise—and a warning of what we face in the future. More information can be found in our peer-reviewed study and in our data repository.
Attacks on science
EPA Alters Protocol on the Selection of Scientific Advisory Committees
The GAO issued a report on how the EPA has been skirting its own protocols when picking scientific advisory committees.
President Trump Rids Federal Agencies of Scientific Expertise
President Trump issued an Executive Order to rid federal agencies of one-third of their advisory committees, many of which provide scientific advice to federal agencies.
Climate Change Research Downplayed at the US Geological Survey
Trump administration officials delayed a USGS press release on climate change for months and then released a highly edited version that removed references to the study’s main findings.
Minnesota Mine Approved Over the Objections of EPA Scientists
EPA scientists were not allowed to submit their written comments expressing concerns about the ability of a copper-nickel mine to meet state and federal water standards.
HHS Restricts Scientific Information on the Affordable Care Act
The Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration has conducted at least 26 instances of censoring information on various HHS websites.
USDA Restricts the Public’s Access to Climate Change Research
Under the Trump administration, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has refused to publicize peer-reviewed studies by USDA scientists that show the impacts of climate change.
The White House Suppressed Science from Congressional Testimony
White House officials stopped scientific information on climate change from being submitted in a written testimony to the House Intelligence Committee.
EPA Ignores Scientists Who Say Wisconsin’s Air Is Dirty and Could Make People Sick
The EPA is ignoring scientists who say that data does not support its decision that several southeastern Wisconsin counties had not violated air pollution standards.
Scientists Sidelined as CPSC Politicizes Children’s Safety
The CPSC did not consider scientific evidence in a decision to not recall a jogging baby stroller shown to harm children.
HHS Bans Crucial, Life-Saving Research Involving Fetal Tissue
The HHS has discontinued all research at the NIH that involves the use of human fetal tissue.
Related resources
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Cumulative Impacts: Recommendations for EPA
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Are you a federal scientist, contractor, or federal worker? Here are resources to have on hand during the Trump administration.
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