Opinion: Trump’s new science policy puts politics ahead of public health
Federal agencies can now elevate uncertainty and suppress dissent under a new executive order reshaping how science informs policy decisions.
David Michaels and Wendy Wagner write for The Atlantic.
In short:
- A new executive order allows political appointees to define scientific integrity and control what evidence federal agencies use in policymaking.
- Scientists who publicly dissent from political decisions risk being accused of misconduct, with no clear process for appeal.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is already delaying enforcement of PFAS drinking-water standards and canceling related research, citing uncertainty despite strong evidence of health harms.
Why this matters:
The integrity of science in government decisions is vital for protecting public health and the environment. When officials obscure or downplay evidence — especially on issues like PFAS contamination, climate impacts, or air pollution — it delays action and puts people at risk. PFAS compounds, for example, have been linked to cancer, immune dysfunction, and developmental harm, especially in children. If agencies are forced to treat inconclusive or incomplete data as a reason to do nothing, health protections will erode. Moreover, punishing scientists for speaking out creates a chilling effect that undermines transparency and slows the advancement of knowledge. Regulatory systems built to protect people then become tools for shielding polluters, with lasting consequences for communities and ecosystems.
Learn more: Scientists produce anti-autocracy handbook to protect their work and defend democracy
