Scientists brace for uncertainty under Trump

Many researchers fear for funding, scientific integrity and their careers when Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Jackie Flynn Mogensen reports for Mother Jones.

In short:

• Trump has historically rolled back environmental policies, undermined science-based guidance promoted misinformation.
• Researchers worry that future federal grants might exclude terms like “climate change” or “diversity” to avoid political scrutiny.
• Concerns about losing access to federal datasets and reduced transparency may hinder critical research.

Key quote:

“Trump has basically said he is waging war on science and scientists.”

— Jennifer Jones, director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists

Why this matters:

A second Trump presidency could jeopardize scientific progress by cutting funding, limiting research on climate change driving experts out of the field. Such setbacks may impair efforts to address environmental challenges and protect public health.

Related: Scientists voice concerns as Trump returns to office