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 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
EPA Falsified Scientific Records in Ohio Train Derailment Disaster
An EPA program manager requested that their staff falsify records related to the collection of data of airborne toxic chemicals near a train derailment site.
DOT Officials Altered Report to Remove Scientific Evidence on Safety Devices in Trucks
Officials at the DOT ordered the removal of scientific research and science-based recommendations from an agency report.
EPA Unjustifiably Delays Release of Toxic Chemical Assessments
A report by the US GAO found that officials sidelined and delayed the publication of reports from the EPA’s IRIS program.
EPA Officials Sideline Scientists When Establishing Particulate Matter Air Pollution Standard
Political officials sidelined EPA scientists and disregarded the science on potential health risks caused by fine particulate matter pollution.
Political Appointees Interfered in Competitive Grant Review Process
Officials under the Trump administration impeded the approval and funding of scientific grants, especially for research on climate change and endangered species.
Political Officials Interfered with Scientific Processes in 2020 Census
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that political appointees at the Census Bureau interfered with the 2020 census by altering technical aspects that could have caused inaccurate US population estimates.
Political Officials Pressured EPA Scientists to Undermine Scientific Studies on a Hazardous Pesticide, Atrazine – Again
Political officials directed scientists at the EPA to exclude key studies when looking at a popular pesticide, atrazine.
USGS Director Shuts Down Study on Coronavirus Impacts on Wild Ferret Populations
The Director of the USGS prevented scientists from conducting research investigating the impacts of the novel coronavirus on the black-footed ferret.
Trump Administration EPA Approves Use of Toxic Pesticide and Medically Important Antibiotic on Citrus Fruits
Officials at the EPA approved the usage of a hazardous pesticide, and a medically important antibiotic, on citrus plants.
EPA Leadership Interfered with Scientific Studies on the Risks of Hazardous Herbicide, Dicamba
Senior EPA officials inappropriately interfered with the work of federal scientists.
Related resources
Activist Resource
Scientific Society Sign-On Letter
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.
Explainer
Applications of Climate, Energy, and Environmental Justice
Assessing the key different types of justice (distributive, procedural, and restorative) within the climate and energy movements can be challenging.