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
Trump Administration Hides Oil Exploration Harms to Polar Bears
Scientists warned that the use of seismic surveys in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge could further threaten the polar bear population. Officials at the BLM and DOI are opening up the refuge to oil exploration.
NIH Labs Banned from Doing Research that Requires Attainment of Human Fetal Tissue
The Trump administration has ordered NIH scientists to stop acquiring new human fetal tissue for use in research experiments directly affecting three NIH laboratories' experiments.
EPA Keeps Data Analysis on Stream and Wetland Protections in the Dark
The EPA proposed a rule that would shrink what waterways are federally protected under the Clean Water Act. The agency said that they could not quantify the impact of rolling back this rule; however, a 2017 analysis shows enormous impacts.
USDA Increases Line Speeds, Endangering Poultry Processing Plant Workers
The USDA announced that poultry processing plants will be allowed to increase their lines speeds. This proposed rule puts poultry workers at a higher risk of injury.
The Trump Administration Kept Secrets on Border Wall Harms to the Environment
The DOI stripped language written by federal scientists on a key environmental impacts letter to the USCBP about the US-Mexico border wall.
EPA Ignores Important Exposures to Dangerous Chemicals, Increasing Risk to Public Health
EPA is conducting risk assessments on chemicals without considering the risk of exposure in air emissions, drinking water, and waste products.
EPA Dissolves Advisory Panel of Scientists with Expertise on a Dangerous Air Pollutant
The EPA disbanded a panel of experts that advised leadership on air pollutants that are especially harmful to human health.
Trump Administration Priorities Dictate if USGS Scientists Can Present Research at Two Major Conferences
USGS scientists who want to attend scientific conferences are required to justify how their research relates to Secretary Zinke's 10 priorities.
Department of Interior Restricts what Science Can Be Used in Policy Decision-Making Process
The DOI issued an order, claiming to practice an “open science” policy that can restrict the use of scientific evidence in policy decision.
Trump Administration Shutters Federal Database of Best Medical Guidelines
A federal database that compiled the best medical guidelines out there shut down its online database due to a lack of funds from the Trump administration and Congress.
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.