Trump administration removes climate information from federal websites

The Trump administration has begun deleting climate science information from federal websites, raising concerns among scientists and watchdog groups about restricted access to critical data.

Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • The White House, NASA and the State Department have removed or altered climate-related content from their websites, making it harder to access scientific reports.
  • A federal research scientist lost funding for a project on air pollution after the State Department issued stop-work orders.
  • Watchdog groups fear further suppression of scientific data and interference with research under Trump's policies.

Key quote:

“When you sideline science, it can cost lives and I think we are seeing that with the gag order on health agencies.”

— Darya Minovi, senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists Center for Science and Democracy

Why this matters:

When climate science is removed or buried from public view, the consequences reach far beyond a single country’s borders. Transparency is undermined, making it harder for researchers to verify data or build on previous findings. The loss of easily accessible climate information can also weaken international collaboration, as scientists across the globe rely on U.S. government agencies like NASA, NOAA and the EPA to share critical data on rising temperatures, extreme weather and carbon emissions.

Related: EPA staff brace for potential departures amid Trump’s return

A aerial view of water, snow, and forested land

Sinking trees in Arctic Ocean could remove 1 billion tonnes of CO2

Sinking felled boreal trees in the Arctic Ocean could remove up to 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ yearly, but risks harming Arctic ecosystems.

A truck drives down a muddy road next to aging oil pumps

Satellite images reveal Venezuela’s massive methane problem

Satellite images show huge volumes of methane leaking from Venezuela’s aging oil and gas infrastructure, revealing both a major climate liability and billions of dollars in wasted fuel.

A businessman handing US hundred dollar bill over to another businessman

How Chevron played the long game in Venezuela

Chevron met with Trump and spent millions lobbying him to continue operating in Venezuela. Now it is uniquely positioned to profit from that.
A puppy with its face in a dog bowl

Carbon pawprint: Your dog’s dinner may have a greater climate impact than your own

"Premium" dog foods that use large amounts of prime meat are pushing up emissions, a new study warns.
A solar tower above a desert landscape with solar panels

Why California is keeping the Ivanpah solar plant running despite bipartisan calls to close it

California regulators have blocked the planned shutdown of the Ivanpah solar thermal plant, overruling both the Biden and Trump administrations amid fears of looming electricity shortages.

Panel of climate scientists onstage at COP25 Q & A
Photo credit: World Meteorological Organization, https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldmeteorologicalorganization/

What top climate scientists think of Trump’s treaty withdrawals

Though the abandonment of international agreements is “a damn shame,” they say science will prevail.
Coastal village in Greenland with multicolored homes and ice floes in the background

As Trump eyes Greenland, what could that mean for island’s mineral wealth and environment?

The Danish territory holds significant stores of oil, gas and minerals. But regulations and the extreme environment have kept the vast majority in the ground.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.