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
Teen Pregnancy Prevention No Longer a Priority Under Trump Administration
The Trump Administration cut over $200 million in funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs and research.
Administrator Pruitt Wants to Delay Climate Science
Scott Pruitt announced that he is planning a “Red Team–Blue Team” exercise to challenge mainstream climate science.
Department of Interior Censors Press Release on USGS Study
The Department of Interior demanded that language about climate change be removed from a press release announcing a new publication by scientists working for the United States Geological Survey.
Advisory Committee Shakeup Targets Independent Science and Scientists
The Trump administration is actively working to strip away the independence of science advisory committees at several government agencies.
Congress Falsely Asserts Carbon Neutrality of Burning Biomass for Electricity
Congress included an anti-science provision in its omnibus FY17 spending bill that could create harmful impacts on forests and climate policy.
Climate Change Language Altered on DOE Webpages
Trump Administration officials are systematically editing Department of Energy websites to strip references to climate change, downplay impacts of fossil fuels and scale back benefits of clean energy.
Trump Administration Disregards Science, Trades Kids’ Brains for Dow Profit
On March 29, 2017, EPA head Scott Pruitt disregarded robust scientific evidence and announced that he would not ban a pesticide that poses a clear risk to children, farm workers, and rural drinking water users.
Trump Administration Puts NASA Earth Science Missions on the Chopping Block
The President’s proposed 2018 budget would terminate four essential NASA Earth science missions: PACE, CLARREO Pathfinder, OCO-3, and DSCOVR Earth.
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Lies About the Causes of Climate Change
In March 2017, EPA Administrator Pruitt falsely claimed that carbon dioxide is not a primary contributor to global warming.
President Trump Proposes Deep and Damaging Budget Cuts to NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is one of our nation’s premiere science agencies and deeply interwoven into nation’s economy—yet the Trump administration has proposed deep and damaging cuts to the agency's budget
Related resources
Report
Improving Election Data Transparency
Recommendations for states on best practices for improving election data transparency.
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The Electric Utility Toolkit
A set of resources and ideas for making a more just and inclusive power grid.
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The Science and Climate Litigation Webinar Series
Trainings, discussions, and case studies focused on the intersection of law, climate change, and science.
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Scientist Community Partnerships
Scientist-community partnerships can help level the playing field for communities that are being shut out of important policy discussions, and UCS is taking an active role in fostering these collaborations.