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
Environmental and Public Health Laws Suspended at Parts of Trump’s Border Wall
In January, the DHS announced that it is waiving 25 environmental, natural resource, and land management laws in order to expedite the construction of President Trump’s border wall.
USDA Cancels Environmental Study, Allows Mining Near Minnesota Wilderness
The USDA canceled an assessment in Minnesota meant to study the effects of establishing sulfide-ore copper mines near one of the state’s most fragile wilderness areas.
DOE Releases a Shoddy, Flawed Report to Justify the Benefits of Coal Power Plants
A report by the DOE used erroneous calculations in order to justify conclusions that coal power plants are essential during severe winter conditions.
Two Scientists Left U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Over Issues of Science Fraud on Endangered Beetle Assessment
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is currently reassessing the status of the American burying beetle on the endangered species list.
Department of Energy Places Unprecedented Restrictions on Nuclear Safety Board
The DOE issued an order in mid-May that outlined new limits on an independent oversight board, which assesses safety concerns at nuclear facilities.
Trump Administration Lifts Ban on Use of Dangerous Pesticides at U.S. Wildlife Refuges
The US FWS issued a memo saying that it will roll back its decision to ban neonicotinoid pesticides and pesticide-resistant crops in national wildlife refuges.
NOAA Is Ordered to Override Endangered Species Protections to Access Water for California’s Wildfires
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross sent out a directive that stands in contrast to the scientific practices of how best to fight large wildfires.
The EPA Eliminates a Strong Safeguard Against Industrial Air Pollution
The EPA has eliminated a long-standing air pollution policy, allowing major polluters to be reclassified under a less stringent category.
USDA Using a Restructuring Decision to Sideline Federal Researchers
The USDA proposed a reorganization of their research agencies. The restructuring may have been used to pressure scientists to quit, to reduce the size of the scientific divisions.
EPA Continues to Suppress Report on Health Effects of Formaldehyde
EPA officials appear to be suppressing an important report on the risk of cancer from formaldehyde, a common chemical in many household products.
Related resources
Activist Resource
Scientific Society Sign-On Letter
This open letter, signed by more than 40 prominent scientific societies and organizations, was delivered to Congress in March 2025.
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Cumulative Impacts: Recommendations for EPA
To improve environmental health, UCS prepared eight fact sheets summarizing the recommendations of the NEJAC Cumulative Impacts Workgroup to the EPA.
Activist Resource
Resources for Federal Scientists
Are you a federal scientist, contractor, or federal worker? Here are resources to have on hand during the Trump administration.
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Assessing the key different types of justice (distributive, procedural, and restorative) within the climate and energy movements can be challenging.