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
Salmon Experts Pressured to Change Findings
Michael Kelly, a former biologist with the NMFS, blew the whistle on political interference with his team’s scientific findings on protections for the endangered coho salmon.
The EPA’s Elusive Climate Change Endangerment Report
The EPA's climate change endangerment report has been hindered by the government and industry associations misrepresenting scientific work
Prairie Dog Science Reversed by Interior Department Decree
Two species of prairie dogs were denied protection from extinction by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on political appointee Julie MacDonald's direction against FWS scientists' findings.
Science Undermined at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bush administration officials have demonstrated a serious disregard for scientific integrity by suppressing or distorting research by government scientists or contractors.
Should Air Pollution Rules Be Based on Politics?
An unnecessary EPA proposal would exclude staff scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency from helping to determine acceptable levels of air pollution.
Systematic Interference with Science at Interior Department Exposed
Emails and edited documents show evidence of systemic interference with science at the Interior Department with regard to the Endangered Species Act and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Safety Agency Hides Danger of All-Terrain Vehicles
A top Consumer Product Safety Commission official delayed a critical report on all-terrain vehicle safety and attempted to reverse its conclusion that ATVs were becoming more dangerous to ride.
Ketek: FDA Managers Value Drug Maker Relations Over Patient Safety
U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials ignored safety concerns raised by their own experts and hid evidence of clinical trial fraud when they approved the antibiotic Ketek(telithromycin) for streptococcus pneumonia in 2004.
Top FDA Official Approves Medical Device Despite Lack of Efficacy
In an extraordinary move, a top Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official approved a medical device against the unanimous opinion of his scientific staff in February 2006.
Navy Used Flawed Science to Justify New Atlantic Sonar Range
A U.S. Navy proposal to build an Atlantic sonar training range off the coast of North Carolina has used flawed science to downplay sonar’s often-fatal danger to whales, according to NOAA.
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.