The Trump administration and 115th Congress actively dismantled science-based health and safety protections, sidelined scientific evidence, and undid progress on scientific integrity.
Below is a running list of attacks on science—disappearing data, silenced scientists, and other assaults on scientific integrity and science-based policy. The list provides a representative sample of threats to the federal scientific enterprise.
Attacks on science
US Forest Service Sidelines the Use of Environmental Studies for Infrastructure Projects
The US Forest Service issued a rule that weakens the requirement to study potential environmental harms from proposed infrastructure projects.
OSHA is Allowing Companies to Not Report COVID-19 Hospitalizations Among Workers
OSHA changed its COVID-19 reporting requirements such that severe COVID-19 cases at workplaces are less likely to get reported.
Director of US Geological Survey Undermines How Scientists Study Climate Change
The USGS' operational manual was edited to push climate models that are less likely to show the worst effects of climate change.
Trump Administration Delayed a Key Step in Major Climate Report
The Fifth National Climate Assessment, had a key step delayed for several months.
Food and Drug Administration Skirts Scientific Process to Keep Food Safe
The FDA failed to enforce a policy that protects food from potentially unsafe chemicals.
Homeland Security Officials Modified Intelligence Reports to Downplay Politically-Inconvenient Threats
DHS officials delayed or modified several intelligence reports on the threat of Russian political interference in the US.
CDC Defunded by $300 Million for a Politically-Motivated Ad Campaign
CDC officials were sidelined in a decision to remove $300 million from the agency’s budget.
White House Installs Political Operatives at the CDC
The White House installed two political operatives at the CDC to control what information the CDC releases on COVID-19.
CDC Order to Dock Cruise Ships was Substantially Weakened
The White House blocked a science-based order from the CDC extending a no-sail order for cruise ships until mid-February.
White House Blocks CDC From Requiring Masks on Public Transit
The CDC drafted an order requiring all passengers and employees to wear masks on public transportation, but the White House chose to block the order.
Related resources
Feature
UCS and the Coronavirus
The Union of Concerned Scientists is actively monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine rollout.
Activist Resource
COVID-19 Disinformation
Disinformation is threatening to derail science-based responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's how to spot it and stop it.
Explainer
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
As COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, it's important to have access to reliable scientific information about the vaccines. Here are answers to some common questions.
Activist Resource
Help Build a Healthier Democracy
We are working towards a democracy where our voting system empowers people to fully participate in decisions that affect their lives.