Join Gretchen Goldman, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists; John Holdren, Professor Emeritus at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and former Science Advisor to President Obama; and Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists President and CEO Alexandra Bell as they examine President Donald Trump’s policies on science and research in the United States.
Earlier this year, President Trump issued an Executive Order and a budget proposal aimed at cutting support for the scientific research community. Following the swift reductions in staffing and contracts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an already tumultuous 2025 for science is now preparing for an even more difficult 2026.
Agencies such as the NIH, NOAA and NASA are already feeling the attention directly, especially in areas of cancer and vaccine research, forecasting major tropical and inland storms, and overall US competitiveness against rising countries. The sheer volume and complexity of the statements and Executive Orders have kept leaders in limbo while trying to determine what will remain in effect and what may ultimately be ruled unlawful or unconstitutional.
How will possible cuts directly affect scientists, and what solutions may exist? Has the scientific community lost the trust of the public, as the Trump Administration suggests, and if so, is reduced funding the way to restore faith and competitiveness in our research community? Will the system starve if the cuts continue?
