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
Director of US Geological Survey Undermines How Scientists Study Climate Change
The USGS' operational manual was edited to push climate models that are less likely to show the worst effects of climate change.
Trump Administration Delayed a Key Step in Major Climate Report
The Fifth National Climate Assessment, had a key step delayed for several months.
Food and Drug Administration Skirts Scientific Process to Keep Food Safe
The FDA failed to enforce a policy that protects food from potentially unsafe chemicals.
Homeland Security Officials Modified Intelligence Reports to Downplay Politically-Inconvenient Threats
DHS officials delayed or modified several intelligence reports on the threat of Russian political interference in the US.
CDC Defunded by $300 Million for a Politically-Motivated Ad Campaign
CDC officials were sidelined in a decision to remove $300 million from the agency’s budget.
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.
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