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
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.
The EPA suspended anti-pollution laws during the pandemic
The EPA temporarily suspended its enforcement activities, allowing industrial facilities to decide whether they would comply with environmental laws.
Polar Bear Study by USGS Scientists Shelved for Three Months
The Director of the USGS delayed the release of a study on polar bear dens for three months.
CDC Scientists Sidelined in Decision to Seal US Border
The White House ordered the CDC to use their emergency powers to effectively seal the US borders in March, overruling the agency’s scientists who said there was no evidence the action would slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
White House Blocks FDA’s Vaccine Guidance Document
The White House blocked the release of an FDA guidance document, which detailed steps that pharma companies need to take to produce a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC Scientists Repeatedly Pressured to Downplay the Risks of School Reopenings During Pandemic
During the summer, top White House officials repeatedly pressured the CDC to downplay the risks of in-person school.
CDC Report on a Pork Plant’s COVID-19 Outbreak was Watered Down
A CDC report was edited and reissued one day later to be softer and less certain about its science-based recommendations.
Fifty-Year-Old Science-Based Legislation, NEPA, is Gutted
A final rule upended processes by which science is used to analyze how government projects impact the environment and surrounding communities.
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