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
White House Added Political Review Process for Scientific Assessments of Chemicals
The White House’s OMB mandated a review process over the EPA health assessments on the safety of chemicals. This process lacks transparency and opens up opportunities for delay and political interference.
Trump Administration Manipulated COVID-19 Data to Justify Reopening
The Trump administration manipulated disease models to justify lifting COVID-19 restrictions.
Trump Administration Sidelined the Science on a Threatened Owl Species
The Trump administration removed over three million acres of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl, a threatened species, and ignored the concerns raised by federal scientists.
Trump Administration Censored Information on Water Pollution, Climate Change, and Endangered Species
The Trump administration made approximately 1,400 changes to agency websites that removed science-based information on environmental issues, such as water pollution, climate change, and endangered species.
FDA Officials Ignored Scientific Concerns When Approving an Alzheimer’s Drug
Officials at the FDA approved a drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease by utilizing a highly irregular process.
White House Posts Climate Change Denialist Misinformation
Two White House officials posted a series of debunked scientific reports that deny the existence of human-caused climate change.
Political Appointees Pressure Scientists to Cherry-Pick Data on California Wildfires
Political appointees at the DOI pushed federal scientists to cherry-pick data on the 2018 California wildfires to support political positions.
EPA Finalized Rule that Eliminated Safeguards for Industrial Pollution
The EPA finalized a rule that could increase hazardous air pollutant emissions from industrial facilities.
CDC and HHS Failed to Track COVID-19 Data
The federal government failed to adequately track vital COVID-19 data and instead relied on non-governmental groups to fill in these data gaps.
EPA Refused to Ban Three Toxic Chemicals
The EPA withdrew its proposed ban on three chemicals TCE, NMP, and methylene chloride.
Related resources
Podcast
Saving Endangered Species: Turtle by Turtle
New England Aquarium’s Adam Kennedy manages the sea turtle rescue and rehab hospital and tells us what it takes to save critically endangered species.
Podcast
The Midterms Are Over: What’s Next?
Voting rights expert Dr. Michael Latner recaps the midterm elections and lays out the challenges facing our democracy.
Video
The Case Against ExxonMobil, Chevron, and other Fossil Fuel Companies
Across the world, fossil fuel companies face a wave of new lawsuits for their role in the climate crisis.
Video
The Power Grid Is a Top Climate Solution. But What Is It?
The power grid makes modern life possible—but it’s also holding us back.