Donald Trump’s return to the White House has alarmed many scientists. His past actions show a clear disregard for scientific consensus, raising fears about his upcoming appointments. This shift could heavily influence agencies that rely on accurate data, especially in vital areas like climate change, public health, and technological advancement. But it’s not just scientific integrity at risk; the role of science in a functioning democracy is also under threat.
One significant appointment is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services. He has made headlines for promoting conspiracy theories and opposing vaccines. Recently, 77 Nobel Laureates expressed their concerns about his nomination to the Senate, urging them to reconsider.
Changes in leadership extend to key agencies as well. NASA will be headed by Jim Bridenstine, who lacks a scientific background and dismisses climate change science. The National Institutes of Health will be led by Mehmet Oz, a controversial figure known for endorsing untested health treatments. The Environmental Protection Agency may see Lee Zeldin take charge, a candidate who has consistently opposed environmental protections.
These selections highlight Trump’s skepticism toward science, especially when it conflicts with his deregulatory goals. He has mentioned plans to “purge” certain federal scientific agencies, including the CDC and the FDA, often seen as key players in public health and safety.
In response, American scientists are mobilizing to protect their field. Many fear that Trump’s belief in climate change as a “hoax” could lead to threats against research funding, the U.S. withdrawal from global agreements, and even censorship of scientific findings. Currently, around 30,000 researchers from the American Geophysical Union are banding together to safeguard research data from potential future erosion.
