Science and the Trump Presidency
What to expect for climate change, health care, technology and more under the new administration
Obama Science Adviser: Trump Immigration Ban “an Abomination”
John Holdren says the president’s move could strain international science ties, possibly making the world less safe
Trump’s Executive Order Strands Brooklyn Doctor in Sudan
The second-year resident worries what will happen to his patients
After Trump Order, Hospitals Scramble to Aid Patients Slated for U.S. Care
Two top medical centers worry that patients will not be permitted to enter the country
Anxiety Mounts at National Labs Over Future of Climate Research
Researchers say they will resist any attempts to meddle with their work or their findings
Meet the Scientists Hit by Trump’s Immigration Ban
Order barring citizens of seven countries from entering the U.S. has left many confused and afraid
Why the Trump Immigration Ban Is Bad for the U.S. and Bad for the World
A personal account of how much we stand to lose if we fall prey to the cowardly xenophobia that seems to be driving the Trump administration
Net Neutrality Foe to Head the FCC
Under new chair Ajit Pai the agency would likely to reverse its Open Internet Order—a regulation expected to become less relevant as the Net continues to evolve
Scientists Find a Voice at Massive Rally for Immigrants
Students, doctors and researchers join a big protest in the academic hub of Boston
Top Academics Lash Out at Trump's "Un-American" Immigration Order
Scientists from all over the country are calling for an end to a immigration ban that could potentially affect thousands of scientists working in the U.S.
Scientists Increasingly Speak Out
And they are seeking training at record numbers on how to better communicate with the public
“Rogue” Science Agencies Defy Trump Administration on Twitter
Anonymous accounts are purportedly linked to NASA, National Parks and other agencies
Trump's Wall Could Cause Serious Environmental Damage
The effects of building a massive concrete wall range from increased emissions to blocked wildlife migration routes
Scientists Are Planning the Next Big Washington March
In just two days, more than 300,000 people join a Facebook planning group
The War on Facts Is a War on Democracy
In a time when facts don’t matter, and science is being muzzled, American democracy is the real victim
Trump Administration Backtracks on Plan to Take Down EPA Climate Web Page
A source at the EPA said the agency’s Office of General Counsel is now "walking through pages on the site" to see what is legally removable, and what legally needs to remain...
USDA Calls Scientist Gag Order a “Misunderstanding”
But some scientists still say an unprecedented clampdown may be underway
Trump's First Strong Words on Obamacare May Have Weak Impact
But dropping the appeal of a lawsuit would immediately end cost-sharing help for up to six million people and would almost certainly send the insurance market for individuals into chaos...
Trump Administration Orders EPA to Remove Its Climate Change Web Page
The move adds to concerns that the administration will promote a denial of fundamental science within its agencies
The National Park Service Won't Be Silenced
NPS employees have a message for the Trump Administration
Trump Administration Restricts News from Federal Scientists at USDA, EPA
The curbs echo what happened in Canada six years ago
Trump Signs Orders Advancing Keystone, Dakota Pipelines
The reverse is a bitter blow to Native American tribes and climate activists after months of protests
Tillerson Is One Step Closer to Becoming Secretary of State
A key Senate committee approved Trump's top diplomatic pick yesterday, but Democrats cited concerns about Tillerson’s position on climate change issues
What Could Replace the Clean Power Plan?
Trump could soon issue an executive order directing the EPA to consider the Clean Power Plan illegal and stop any work related to the regulation
Rumors Swirl about Trump’s Science Adviser Pick
Climate sceptic William Happer and ardent critic of academia David Gelernter have met with the president
Women's March on Washington Protestors Say Science Is a Driving Force
Marchers worry that the president's rhetoric and nominee choices threaten research, the scientific method and reproductive rights
If Trump Keeps His Promise on Paid Family Leave, Will Working Women Feel They Can Take It?
An analysis reveals that the percentage of new mothers who use family leave has remained flat since 1994
How Trump Could Unravel Obama’s Science Legacy
From stem-cell law to national monuments, the president-elect has myriad opportunities to transform the research landscape
NIH Director Francis Collins to Stay On under Trump, for Now
The 45th president may still name a different permanent director
Public Lands and Environment under Interior Nominee Zinke: A Mixed Bag
Trump’s appointment to oversee America’s parks and federal lands has pledged to protect them and public access while undoing federal regulation
Trump Day 1: Global Warming's Fate
If the new president delays climate action as promised, the world is far more likely to miss its Paris agreement goals
Perry Promises to Protect "All of the Science" at the Energy Department
Trump's nominee for Energy secretary says that he will base decisions on "sound science"
Cutting Greenhouse Gases Would Help Trump Achieve His Economic Goals
The new administration could cut greenhouse gases and achieve its economic goals all at once
Proposed Presidential Autism–Vaccine Panel Could Help Spread Disease
Committee mentioned in a Trump meeting last week could scare people away from protective immunizations, scientists say
Think Trump Will Be More Inclusive after Winning?
Behavioral research suggests the answer is probably no
Pruitt Says He Backs Biofuels Program, but Is Open to Tweaks
Trump's choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency tells Senate he would honor the intent of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard
Trump EPA Pick Expresses Doubts about Climate Change, Defends Oil Industry Funding
Pruitt tells Senate he would seek to ensure environmental protections are effective without hurting development
Trump's 5 Most “Anti-Science” Moves
The president-elect has taken what is widely seen as a hostile stance toward the scientific community. Here’s why
Trump’s CDC May Face Serious Hurdles
The nation’s public health agency is battling on several fronts, including an Obamacare repeal
6 Questions for Trump's Nominee to Lead HHS
Rep. Tom Price can expect some tough questions from his Senate interrogators
Prediction of Climate Change Impacts Not as "Limited" as Tillerson Suggests
Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State falls back on subjective language to skirt science
Will Trump's Climate Team Accept Any "Social Cost of Carbon"?
The nation’s top science panel has just sketched a clearer way to set a fair price today for cutting tomorrow’s climate risks—and some of Trump’s advisers say the price should be zero ...
Trump's Pick for Secretary of State Backs Paris Climate Accord
But Rex Tillerson, Trump’s nominee, tells senators that efforts to predict climate change are ‘very limited’
Trump Meets with 2 Contenders to Lead NIH
The agency's current director has said he would be willing to stay
U.S. Energy Agency Toughens Protections for Scientists
Revised scientific-integrity policy gives researchers more leeway to speak to the press and publish their findings
Vaccine Critic Kennedy Claims Trump Tapped Him to Chair Panel on Vaccination Safety
Like the president-elect, Robert Kennedy, Jr., has pushed arguments of a link to autism
Trump and Space: Panel Forecasts Changes to Come
As Trump’s “landing team” touches down at NASA, science community members mull ways to interact with politics
Obama versus Trump: 5 Medical and Science Stances
In some areas the next administration's approach may be more of the same
Trump and Congress Could Halt State Action on Climate
The new Republican-controlled federal government could use “preemption” to restrict state and local environmental protections
Trump's Doctor Speaks Out about His Most Famous Patient
"It never occurred to me that he was the oldest president"
Will Trump Negate Obama’s Science Legacy?
Will Obama’s science policy accomplishments survive? A Q&A with outgoing science adviser John Holdren
Canadian Scientists Warn U.S. Colleagues: Act Now to Protect Science under Trump
Back up data and speak out ahead of next month’s inauguration, they advise
Coalition of 24 States Urges Trump to Kill Obama's Carbon Emission Plan
State officials seek to undo the Clean Power Act and block similar future regulations
Climate Scientists Hatch Plans to Deal with Trump's Climate Skeptics
California Gov. Jerry Brown gives strategy tips at huge research meeting; some scientists think there are opportunities they can seize
Trump Energy Pick Perry Pushed to Store Nuclear Waste in His Own State
The ex-governor championed radioactive refuse storage in Texas, and would be in the thick of the issue as energy secretary
Trump Reportedly Picks Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke for Interior Secretary
Zinke wants to keep federal lands in the hands of the government, believes that “something is going on” with the climate and embraces of an “all of the above” energy policy...
Is Donald Trump Pushing More Scientists Toward Political Activism?
Researchers are reaching out to the U.S. president-elect with science advice—and criticism
Rick Perry Tapped to Run the Energy Agency He Once Vowed to Kill
In the famous “Oops!” moment that helped scuttle his presidential run, Perry forgot the name of Energy Department
The Climate Impacts of Trump’s Exxon Pick for Secretary of State
Energy executive Rex Tillerson would have major influence over U.S. participation in international climate pacts
Could Ben Carson Be Just What the Doctor Ordered for HUD?
Advocates say the neurosurgeon could make a difference by focusing on the many health dangers that beset public housing
Energy Department Refuses Trump's Request for Names on Climate Change
Trump's transition team asked for the names of people who have worked on climate change and the professional society memberships of lab workers
Trump Names Oil Exec as Secretary of State, Overseeing International Climate Pacts
Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson has no government experience and close ties to Russia
Trump's HHS Pick Well-Placed to Protect Doctors' Interests
Surgeon Tom Price, tapped to head Health and Human Services, has fought regulations and tried to cap malpractice suits
Trump Taps Climate Change Denier for Secretary of Interior
If approved by the Senate, Cathy McMorris Rogers would oversee energy resource development on public lands
Trump Win Could Boost Push to Define Fertilized Eggs as People
The president-elect's pick for HHS head supports such a change
Biofuels Industry May Have the Juice to Endure to Trump's EPA Chief Pick
Despite concerns over Scott Pruitt’s record of opposing ethanol, experts say the renewable-fuel program is on safe ground
Trump Picks Foe of Obama Climate Agenda to Run EPA
Trump’s choice, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, has said the Clean Power Plan is a form of federal “coercion and commandeering”
Researchers Baffled by Nationalist Surge
Economic woes wrought by globalization are only part of the cause.
Trump Considers FDA Chief Who Says People Should Use Medicines “At Their Own Risk”
Jim O'Neill is not a physician, but he speaks frequently at biotech industry meetings
Trump Softens His Climate Image with Gore Meeting
Gore said his conversation with the president-elect was “productive” and “extremely interesting”
An Open Letter from Scientists to President-Elect Trump on Climate Change
More than 800 Earth scientists and energy experts (and counting) urge the incoming president to take six crucial steps
Trump's First 100 Days: Science Education and Schools
The new administration will champion controversial school choice policy and potentially undermine the teaching of evolution and climate change
How Donald Trump Can Become the Greatest Leader Ever
A science writer urges the President-elect to make world peace his number-one mission.
Trump’s First 100 Days: Technology, Privacy and Intelligence
The new administration will likely defang efforts to enforce Net neutrality and online privacy protections, and potentially ramp up domestic and international surveillance
Trump's Presidency Will Be a Disaster for Public Education
The choices Trump is making bode ill for STEM education - and all public schools
Trump’s First 100 Days: Environmental Policy and Public Lands
The Keystone XL pipeline and new coal leases could be green-lighted quickly, but other efforts will take time
What Trump Will Mean for Air Travel
He hasn't said much, but his influence on the industry could be profound
Can Democrats Block Trump’s EPA Nominee?
A candidate who doesn't believe in science would be “a very dangerous person to pick”
Trump’s First 100 Days: Space
The new administration will likely shift NASA resources away from Earth exploration and into deep space. But many questions remain about how the agency will be led and funded
Trump Picks Obamacare Critic to Overhaul Health Care
Tom Price has championed tax credits, health savings accounts and lawsuit reforms
Trump’s First 100 Days: Climate and Energy
The incoming administration could quickly withdraw the U.S. from international climate change agreements, but domestic change is likely slower
Trump’s First 100 Days: Health Care
The president-elect could initiate a massive transformation of health care—including birth control funding. But without a replacement plan ready, lawmakers may hesitate to repeal Obamacare anytime soon...
Republicans Aim to Pass Cures Act By End of Year, but Democrats Want Changes
Funding for the act, which aims to speed approval of new drugs and devices, may be in jeopardy
Serious Changes Possible for National Security Policies on Climate Change
New Trump appointments could de-emphasize intelligence reports on climate as “threat multiplier” but military investments may be hard to alter
The Meaning of Scientific "Truth" in the Presidential Election
Factual beliefs on climate change, evolution, and the like are most often symbols used to communicate membership in and loyalty to groups embroiled in a competition for social status.
A Trump Budget Could Decimate Climate Funding
Departments like the EPA and NASA could see a dramatic shift in their funding and priorities
Closer Look Punches Holes in Swing-State Election Hacking Report
Experts tone down a news story about the Clinton campaign being urged to challenge results due to possible cyber attack
Trump Proposes an Advocate of Mass Public Surveillance as CIA Chief
Mike Pompeo wants to collect bulk data for detailed profiles of anyone who uses the Internet
Under Trump, NASA May Turn a Blind Eye to Climate Change
The President-elect’s space policy platform calls for disruptive reorganizations and possible budget cuts to Earth-observing satellite programs
Will the Rust Belt Stick with Coal Under Trump?
Market forces, not politics, will likely lessen the region’s reliance on coal
Trump Picks a Climate Skeptic to Enforce Environmental Laws
Jeff Sessions, choice for attorney general, has ridiculed greenhouse gas regulations
The Politics of Hope: Donald Trump as an Entrepreneur of Identity
The president-elect won the election by artfully shaping and responding to his supporters’ views
Young Climate Researchers Face a Trump Reality
Undergraduates and new professors weigh in on starting their careers at an odd time
2 Major Environment Policies Will Be Hard for Trump to Undo
Rules on power plant emissions and clean water have some staying power, but other regulations are easier targets
NIH Director Looks at Presidential Transition
National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins talks about the future of the NIH in light of the election.
Dan Rather: Now, More Than Ever, We Must Stand Up for Science
The Trump administration is outlining policies that put our response to climate change in deep jeopardy and threaten to change the fundamental direction of science in the U.S.
Carbon Capture Still Viable under Trump
Energy Department official says businesses may want the technology for their own purposes
Obama Presses Ahead with Plans for Deep Emissions Cuts
The administration released its strategy at the UN climate talks for cutting U.S. emissions more than 80 percent by mid-century
Congressional Panel That Writes Checks for Science Will Get a New Chief
A moderate Republican and science advocate is slated to run the House Appropriations Committee
Trump Picks Top Climate Skeptic to Lead EPA Transition
Choosing Myron Ebell means Trump plans to drastically reshape climate policies
How President-Elect Trump Views Science
The victor’s opinions about 20 subjects, from climate change to public health
How Quickly Could Obamacare Be Erased?
Certain congressional actions could help overcome the threat of a Senate filibuster
Richard Dawkins and Other Prominent Scientists React to Trump’s Win
What the election results mean for science, in gut responses from Scientific American’s Board of Advisers
Explaining Donald Trump's Shock Election Win
Five factors behind America’s staggering decision
How Scientists Reacted to the U.S. Election Results
Trump victory generates shock, disbelief and fear of funding cuts
Donald Trump's Presidential Election Win Stuns Scientists
Republicans sweep White House and U.S. Congress, with uncertain implications for research
Trump's Views on Science Are Shockingly Ignorant
His statements show a disregard for science that is alarming in a candidate for high office
Physics Doesn't Care Who Was Elected President
Eight worrisome climate patterns are well underway, regardless of politics
Grading the Presidential Candidates on Science
Scientific American evaluates responses from Clinton, Trump, Johnson and Stein to 20 questions
Could Trump Simply Withdraw U.S. from Paris Climate Agreement?
It's possible, but tricky, and could undermine global cooperation on other issues
What Trump's Surprise Victory Could Mean for Science
His stunning win took many people in both parties by surprise—and scientists are only beginning to process the possible fallout
Yes, Trump Is Scary, but Don't Lose Faith in Progress
In spite of occasional backward lurches, like Trump's election, humanity should keep getting healthier, wealthier, more peaceful and more free.
Trump's Victory and the Neuroscience of Rage
To understand this election you must understand the brain’s threat detection mechanism
Trump's Plans to Shake Up the Tech World
Look for the president-elect to pick a new FCC chairman, limit online privacy protections and stem the flow of tech talent from other countries...
Climate Trumps Everything, No Matter Who Is President
Donald Trump should pursue climate action to achieve his own economic, jobs and competitiveness goals
Numbers Cruncher: Why Trump’s Win Blindsided the Big Polls
Changing technology and fickle humans are pushing art into the science of aggregating surveys
What the 2016 Election Results Mean for Health
Voters sent some strong signals on marijuana use and assisted suicide
The Hyper-Polarization of America
This year's campaign might be the worst yet, but the anger and divisiveness didn't start with Trump and Clinton—and it won't end anytime soon
Trump’s Election Could Threaten Global Climate Agreement
But China could push back if U.S. seeks to renege
5 Ways Trump's Win Can Change Medicine and Science
Priorities at the NIH, the BRAIN Initiative, drug price controls and more initiatives could shift in major ways
Voter Embarrassment about Trump Support May Have Messed Up Poll Predictions
One behavioral scientist thinks emotion and fear of stigma led respondents to mislead pollsters on purpose
Trump's Victory and the Politics of Resentment
A political scientist’s research explains a lot about why true-blue Wisconsin turned red in 2016, and about the mood of rural and small town America
No Plan B at Climate Talks, Given Trump Win
But leaders from other nations vow to band together to meet emissions targets
Donald Trump’s Lack of Respect for Science Is Alarming
The U.S. presidential election shows how far the political conversation has degenerated from the nation's founding principles of truth and evidence
Donald Trump's Real Ambition
Trump is driven by one thing and one thing only: the search for glory
Exit Interview: Presidential Science Advisor John Holdren
Scientific American executive editor Fred Guterl talks with Pres. Obama’s science advisor, John Holdren, about climate science, space travel, the issue of reproducibility in science, the brain initiative and more...
