The Trump administration and 115th Congress have been actively dismantling science-based health and safety protections, sidelining scientific evidence, and undoing recent progress on scientific integrity.
We've seen this movie before. And we know how to fight back. We're standing up for science. We're inviting scientists to securely share information on scientific integrity abuses. And we're encouraging our supporters to watchdog this administration and Congress, as we did during the George W. Bush administration and the Barack Obama administration.
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.
Beyond this list, many other moves by the president and Congress degrade the environment for science and scientists in this country. For example, the president’s Muslim ban hurts science and scientists, including those working for the federal government and the president’s rescinding transgender protections is damaging to the ability of all young budding scientists to reach their full potential. These actions are also important to document, and we continue do so on the UCS blog.
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Attacks on science
DOI Scientists Ignored in Northern California Dam Project
The DOI ignored its own scientists and approved a project to raise the height of California’s Shasta Dam despite the large impact it would have on ecology of the region.
Staff at HHS were unable to talk about gun violence research after two mass shootings
After El Paso and Dayton shootings, the HHS issued a directive warning staff to obtain approval before posting anything on social media related to mental health, violence, or mass shootings.
Staff at the National Park Service are restricted from providing evidence-based public comments
NPS acting deputy director, David Vela, has issued a memo that requires that NPS staff to seek permission if they want to submit public comments on policies at other federal agencies.
The USDA Dismantled Health and Safety Protections at Pork Manufacturing Plants
The USDA failed to use the best available science when finalizing a new pork inspection rule.
The Department of the Interior Dismantled the Endangered Species Act
The Department of the Interior (DOI) dismantled the role of science in informing protections for endangered and threatened species.
The EPA Rolls Back Protections for Alaska’s Waterways from Mining Activities
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sidelined its own scientific assessment showing that the development of Pebble Mine, a proposed mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska would harm the area’s ecosystem.
USDA Buries Sweeping Plan Prioritizing Climate Science
The USDA prevented the release of a plan for how the agency can effectively respond to the impacts of climate change.
EPA Stops Collecting Data on Pollutants Released from Farms
EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler exempted farms from reporting hazardous air emissions from animal waste.
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.
“Administration Issues” Derailed a Study on Sex Trafficking in Native Communities
A research study, looking at sex trafficking in Native communities, was terminated when the Trump administration transitioned in.
Endangered Crayfish in West Virginia Threatened as Coal Mining Resumes Near its Habitat
DOI officials allowed the resumption of coal mines jeopardizing the survival of two threatened/endangered crayfish species.
Trump Administration Orders Scientists to Conduct Less Accurate Climate Change Science
USGS can only use climate models that project the impact of climate change through 2040, rather than through the end of the century.
Trump Administration Puts Offshore Oil Rig Workers’ Lives at Risk
The Trump administration sidelined science in a decision to roll back protections for the safety of offshore oil rig workers.
How Do Common Chemicals Harm Children? The EPA Now Refuses to Fund the Science
EPA has decided not to fund 13 research centers that study chemical exposure in childhood and adverse health outcomes.
Endangered Species Threatened in Arizona Due to Politics and Bad Science
Federal agencies are abdicating their responsibility to use the best available science to protect some of the most jeopardized species on the planet.
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