Science Weekly
How Trump unleashed chaos in science
Feb 25, 2025
The podcast delves into the turbulent impact of political decisions on the U.S. scientific community. It discusses delays in funding and projects, leading to chaos within research institutions. Experts highlight the severe implications of funding cuts and layoffs, which threaten the vitality of innovation. Concerns about retaliation within scientific circles emerge, emphasizing the need for trust and collaboration. The conversation underscores the crucial link between politics and public support for science, advocating for robust journalism amidst this turmoil.
21:07
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Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration's executive orders led to a chaotic freeze in communication and funding, jeopardizing ongoing scientific research across agencies.
- The systematic dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs threatens the future of innovation and participation from underrepresented groups in science.
Deep dives
Impact of Executive Orders on Scientific Agencies
The reinstatement of Donald Trump as president has led to a series of executive orders that significantly impact scientific agencies. Key actions included pausing external communications by the Department of Health and Human Services, which halted the flow of critical information from the NIH, CDC, and FDA. This communication freeze has caused delays in grant funding meetings and imposed a temporary freeze on a significant portion of the NIH's budget, affecting ongoing research. The overarching goal of these changes appears to align funding decisions with Trump's political agenda, including the cessation of diversity programs and research related to climate change.
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