Trump’s War on Science Was Even Worse Than We Realized, New Reports Show
The Trump administration’s policies have really shaken up scientific research, with big funding and staffing cuts that have hit important government reports like the National Climate Assessment (NCA) and the National Nature Assessment (these reports provide detailed info used to guide public policy and help us understand our environment).
National climate assessment in the spotlight
The National Climate Assessment has been a cornerstone of U.S. climate studies since Congress set it up in 1990 (its job is to give a full picture of what climate shifts mean for the country). So far, there have been five assessments, and work was in full swing on the sixth until volunteer researchers were let go back in April. This report — now slated for release in 2028 — is a major piece in shaping climate policy. However, firing these experts has raised questions about whether future reports will keep their high standards. As Brandon Jones, president of the American Geophysical Union, put it, “There’s no question that climate change is happening…and it’s going to continue in very adverse ways.”
The White House recently announced a relook at what NCA6 should cover, sticking to the guidelines of the Global Change Research Act of 1990. But letting go of the current team has left people wondering about the report’s future direction and trustworthiness.
Tough breaks for the national nature assessment
Started by an executive order from the Biden administration in 2022, the National Nature Assessment was supposed to give a full evaluation of U.S. ecosystems and natural resources. Instead, Trump officials shut it down in January — just weeks before a draft was expected — which put a stop to the project. Phillip Levin, who was directing the assessment, publicly expressed his disappointment (he’s not shy about pointing out how politics have thrown a wrench in scientific work).
Not ready to let the work go to waste, Levin and his team launched United by Nature to finish the assessment on their own. They’re aiming to release the final report by July 2026, showing their determination to deliver some solid ecological insights despite the bumps in the road.
How scientists and the public are weighing in
The drop in federal backing for scientific research hasn’t gone unnoticed. Protests have popped up in more than 30 cities across the nation, with people voicing their frustration over these cuts. In a show of support for the affected researchers, earth science organizations are stepping in with possible financial help and support networks.
Organizations such as the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society are also getting involved. They’re creating new platforms for sharing climate research findings, making sure that reliable scientific data stays available to guide decisions related to our changing climate.
Wider effects on environmental policies
The shake-up isn’t limited to research reports. Other major environmental issues have surfaced during Trump’s term. For instance, federal officials have refused to conduct soil testing for contaminants following wildfires in Los Angeles County — a move that experts like Rachel Morello-Frosch say only deepens inequities in recovery efforts.
There have also been legal battles sparked by the cancellation of wind energy projects via executive orders. Attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C., have teamed up in lawsuits aimed at overturning these decisions, which they say stall progress in sustainable energy development.
On an international scale, projects like constructing a border wall between Poland and Belarus have raised alarms too, especially since it could threaten local biodiversity by reducing genetic diversity among lynx populations (a reminder that environmental issues often cross borders).
Conclusion
The policies rolled out during the Trump administration have definitely changed the landscape of scientific research in America, stirring up concerns among researchers and everyday citizens alike. As Americans deal with how these changes affect climate resilience and environmental conservation, there’s a growing push for more steady government backing of science to keep useful, well-founded info in the hands of policymakers.