Federal scientists build defenses against political interference as Trump eyes return
During the first Trump administration, federal scientists faced suppression and retaliation, but new guardrails installed under Biden aim to protect scientific integrity in government research.
Coral Davenport reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Federal agencies have implemented stronger scientific integrity policies, appointing dedicated officers and creating systems for whistleblowers to report interference.
- Labor contracts now protect scientists against retaliation, allowing findings to be communicated freely without political influence.
- Nonprofits like the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund are providing free legal support to scientists facing political pressure.
Key quote:
“Under the prior Trump administration, we were in an extremely vulnerable position. This is one of the lessons we learned."
— Marie Owens Powell, president of the E.P.A. employees union
Why this matters:
Preserving scientific integrity is crucial for protecting public health and the environment, as political interference can distort research that informs policy on climate change, pandemics and pollution. While no system is foolproof, these new protections make it harder for politics to trump science — literally. For parents, healthcare workers and advocates alike, that’s a win for evidence-based decisions in an era of disinformation.
Read more: EPA’s “scientific integrity” program lacks teeth, group alleges.
