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
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-facilities-air.jpg?itok=SQE-FjP8)
The EPA Is Limiting Data Collection on a Harmful Air Pollutant
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-flood-treefall.jpg?itok=8998lqL1)
The Trump Administration Has Undermined a Nationwide Conservation Program
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-aos-alaska-gas.jpg?itok=hNkuqWnu)
Scientists’ Concerns on Oil and Gas Operations in Alaska Are Buried by the Trump Administration
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-chem-bottles.jpg?itok=dGvCITE6)
EPA Leadership Is Suppressing Release of Scientific Studies on Dangers of Chemicals
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-kit-fox.jpg?itok=0i4M_L7Z)
DOI Officials Bury Report Showing Hundreds of Endangered Species Are Greatly Harmed by Two Pesticides
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-HHS_0.jpg?itok=RdS66UmM)
Trump Administration Shunts Data Collection and Research on Medicaid Work Requirement
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-deepwater-horizon.jpg?itok=eqj7ISvf)
DOI Lets Offshore Oil Companies Off the Hook from Safety Testing
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-dc8.jpg?itok=LJZ8rnKi)
EPA Blocks NASA from Monitoring Air Pollution Levels in Houston After Hurricane Harvey
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-HHS.jpg?itok=Q1Gk0ciT)
Trump Administration Gags Doctors from Speaking about Abortion to Low-Income Women
![](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/1200-doj.jpg?itok=WpIRfGSe)