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
![Polar bear drinking water.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/1500-900-polar-bear.jpg?itok=0cmPLJtt)
The Forest Service Allows Mining Company to Determine its own Environmental Impact
![A scientist in a lab](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/scientist-lab-petri.jpg?itok=_MbTY8p3)
For Coronavirus, Federal Scientists are Restricted in What They Can Say to the Public
![The North Atlantic Right Whale.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/1500-900-na-right-whale.jpg?itok=jpdGfF8u)
NOAA Political Officials Sidelined the Science on How to Protect an Endangered Whale Species
![A closeup of a person wearing a protective mask.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/1500-900-covid-aos.jpg?itok=l-P4hFap)
HHS Officials Sent Workers to Coronavirus Hot Zone Without Protective Gear
![Pile of single dollar bills.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/1500-900-dollar-bills.jpg?itok=Xo3rLjiI)
Trump Administration Stops Collection of Data that Could Reveal Pay Discrimination Practices
![A sign next to a body of water reads "Warning: Water polluted. No swimming. No wading."](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/1500-900-water-warning.jpg?itok=bqaMC4rE)
EPA Scientists Were Suppressed from Commenting on Stream and Wetland Protections
![A semi-truck drives on a highway.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/1500-900-truck-on-highway.jpg?itok=atstUChO)
The EPA Failed to Analyze the Effects on Children’s Health from Polluting Trucks
![Two boats help to put out a fire caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-03/1500-900-deepwater-uscoastguard.jpg?itok=sX9bQoUT)
DOI Officials Suppressed Scientist’s Concerns on Oil Rig Worker Safety
![A person with a calculator works on their personal finances](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-02/1500-900-aos-loans.jpg?itok=unstXjYM)
The Trump Administration Halts Data Collection on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
![Bottles of chemicals on a shelf](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2020-02/1500-900-aos-chemicals.jpg?itok=z29n5Wrh)