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
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.
CDC Reports on COVID-19 were Delayed or Edited by HHS Political Appointees
Against the objections of scientists, political appointees at the HHS edited, delayed, and tried to halt numerous CDC reports and studies on COVID-19.
Census Bureau Tightens its Counting Timeline, Endangering the Accuracy of 2020 Census
The Census Bureau, under pressure from administration officials, was forced to shorten its 2020 counting efforts by a full month.
FDA Now Lacks Authority to Halt Use of Inaccurate Coronavirus Tests
In a move strongly opposed by FDA officials, the agency will no longer use science-based checks to regulate a broad swathe of laboratory tests, including coronavirus tests.
CDC Coronavirus Testing Guidelines Were Modified by Political Officials to be Less Scientific
The White House’s Coronavirus Task Force and HHS changed the novel coronavirus testing guidelines on the CDC website to fall out of line with the best available science.
EPA Refuses to Regulate Rocket Fuel Chemical in Drinking Water
The EPA has officially announced that it will not regulate perchlorate, a common ingredient of explosives and rocket fuel, in the nation’s drinking water supplies.
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