Science Under Siege: The Impact of Trump's Policies on Research

The Trump administration's goals have been clear from the start:

• Shrink the federal government
• Boost presidential power
• Tighten immigration
• Challenge universities for their perceived leftist ideologies

These aims have hit American science hard:

• Billions in research grants have been cut or frozen
• Reviews delayed
• Programs, especially those focused on diversity and climate change, canceled
• Many government employees have left
• Science agencies have been restructured

Scientists' Reactions

Scientists, who rely heavily on public funding, are shocked.

Experts like Neal Lane and Elias Zerhouni have weighed in:

• Neal Lane, a physicist, sees this as an attack on anything not aligning with Trump's agenda.
• Elias Zerhouni, while cautious, warns of a "perfect storm" threatening the research ecosystem that has existed since 1945.

The Current Situation

Robert Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation describes the current situation as a mix of:

• "Muskism"
• "Voughtism"
• "Trumpism"

• Muskism, tied to the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed to cut government waste but often overstepped, leading to illegal actions and eventual reversals.
• Voughtism, led by Russell Vought, pushes for a smaller government and greater presidential control.
• Trumpism involves unilateral policies like mass deportations and dismantling environmental programs.

The Focus on "Gold Standard Science"

The administration's focus on "gold standard science" is seen by many as a veiled attempt to undermine public confidence in science.

• Critics argue that the standards outlined are nothing new
• The real issue is the administration's approach to science funding and policy

The Attack on DEI Programs

The attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs has also sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a step backward for scientific progress.

The Damage to American Science

The damage to American science is significant, with researchers looking abroad for opportunities.

• The question remains: can the harm be undone?
• The future of American science hangs in the balance as the administration's policies continue to reshape the research landscape.