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.
Due to the large number of attacks on science we’re seeing from the second Trump administration, we are currently providing regular summaries of documented attacks.
- A Backward March: Another Month of Attacks on Federal Science (April 2, 2025)
- A Hundred Attacks and Counting: What Happened to Federal Science in February (March 12, 2025)
- How Science Has Fared in the First Two Weeks of the New Trump Administration (January 30, 2025)
Below is the list of documented attacks on science that occurred under the four previous administrations. They include disappearing data, silenced scientists, suppressed studies, and other assaults on science-based policy. More information on these attacks can be found in our peer-reviewed study and in our data repository.
Attacks on science
The EPA Is Limiting Data Collection on a Harmful Air Pollutant
In 20 US states EPA no longer uses the technology best supported by science to monitor NOx pollution.
The Trump Administration Has Undermined a Nationwide Conservation Program
The Trump administration has defunded a successful science-based conservation program known as Landscape Conservation Cooperatives.
Scientists’ Concerns on Oil and Gas Operations in Alaska Are Buried by the Trump Administration
The DOI failed to consider 18 memos from scientists who had raised concerns about proposed oil and gas operations in Alaska.
EPA Leadership Is Suppressing Release of Scientific Studies on Dangers of Chemicals
EPA has stalled research on a program that carries out scientific studies which assess the toxicity risks of chemicals to human health.
DOI Officials Bury Report Showing Hundreds of Endangered Species Are Greatly Harmed by Two Pesticides
DOI blocked a report that identified two pesticides as threats to more than 1,200 endangered animals and plants.
Trump Administration Shunts Data Collection and Research on Medicaid Work Requirement
The CMS, has approved numerous state plans to implement a work requirement for Medicaid participants.
DOI Lets Offshore Oil Companies Off the Hook from Safety Testing
Politico obtained data showing that, in a two-year period, the DOI had given offshore oil drillers 1,679 waivers to regulations that tested the safety of equipment
EPA Blocks NASA from Monitoring Air Pollution Levels in Houston After Hurricane Harvey
The EPA and Texas authorities stopped NASA scientists from sampling air pollution data after Hurricane Harvey.
Trump Administration Gags Doctors from Speaking about Abortion to Low-Income Women
HHS issued a rule that significantly alters the Title X program, the federal grant program that supports family planning services for low-income individuals.
Justice Department Refuses to Correct a Highly Misleading Report Linking Immigration with Terrorism
DOJ officials have refused to retract a report that contained misleading errors, which implied a link between terrorism and immigration.
Related resources
Report
Advancing the Scientific Integrity Act
Scientific Integrity Act Policy Brief
Activist Resource
Scientific Societies Call on Congress to Save Science
This open letter, signed by more than 40 prominent scientific societies and organizations, was delivered to Congress in March 2025.
Activist Resource
Cumulative Impacts: Recommendations for EPA
To improve environmental health, UCS prepared eight fact sheets summarizing the recommendations of the NEJAC Cumulative Impacts Workgroup to the EPA.
Activist Resource
Resources for Federal Scientists
Are you a federal scientist, contractor, or federal worker? Here are resources to have on hand during the Trump administration.