Attacks on Science

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.

Attacks on science

Agency Type of attack

EPA Officials Sideline Scientists When Establishing Particulate Matter Air Pollution Standard

Political officials sidelined EPA scientists and disregarded the science on potential health risks caused by fine particulate matter pollution.

A sign in front of a building that reads "United States Government Accountability Office."

Political Appointees Interfered in Competitive Grant Review Process

Officials under the Trump administration impeded the approval and funding of scientific grants, especially for research on climate change and endangered species.

Political Officials Interfered with Scientific Processes in 2020 Census

Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that political appointees at the Census Bureau interfered with the 2020 census by altering technical aspects that could have caused inaccurate US population estimates.

Political Officials Pressured EPA Scientists to Undermine Scientific Studies on a Hazardous Pesticide, Atrazine – Again

Political officials directed scientists at the EPA to exclude key studies when looking at a popular pesticide, atrazine.

USGS Director Shuts Down Study on Coronavirus Impacts on Wild Ferret Populations

The Director of the USGS prevented scientists from conducting research investigating the impacts of the novel coronavirus on the black-footed ferret.

Trump Administration EPA Approves Use of Toxic Pesticide and Medically Important Antibiotic on Citrus Fruits

Officials at the EPA approved the usage of a hazardous pesticide, and a medically important antibiotic, on citrus plants.

EPA Leadership Interfered with Scientific Studies on the Risks of Hazardous Herbicide, Dicamba

Senior EPA officials inappropriately interfered with the work of federal scientists.

EPA Leadership Ignored EPA Scientists’ Concerns Over Mississippi Wetlands

While drafting an environmental impact statement, political appointees at the EPA failed to incorporate the science-based concerns of EPA scientists.

Trump Officials Ignored Concerns from EPA Scientists on Vehicle Efficiency Rule

The science-based concerns of scientists at the EPA were sidelined when the Trump administration finalized new standards for SAFE Vehicles rule in March 2020.

Political Officials Under Trump Refuse to Adopt New Dietary Guidelines

Officials from the USDA and HHS ignored scientifically backed advice for sugar and alcohol intake when releasing new dietary guidelines.

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