Trump 2.0 is dismantling American science. Here's what's at stake, according to researchers.
U.S.-based researchers detail how their work has been disrupted by funding cuts and policy changes ushered by the second Trump administration.
From beginning to end, 2025 was a year of devastation for scientists in the United States.
January saw the abrupt suspension of key operations across the National Institutes of Health, not only disrupting clinical trials and other in-progress studies but stalling grant reviews and other activities necessary to conduct research. Around the same time, the Trump administration issued executive orders declaring there are only two sexes and ending DEI programs. The Trump administration also removed public data and analysis tools related to health disparities, climate change and environmental justice, among other databases.
And over the course of the following months, billions of dollars of grants supporting research projects across disciplines, institutions and states were terminated. These include funding already spent on in-progress studies that have been forced to end before completion. Federal agencies, including NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Agency for International Development have been downsized or dismantled altogether.
The Conversation asked researchers from a range of fields to share how the Trump administration’s science funding cuts have affected them. All describe the significant losses they and their communities have experienced. But many also voice their determination to continue doing work they believe is crucial to a healthier, safer and more fair society.
Pipeline of new scientists cut off
People are exposed to thousands of synthetic chemicals every day, but the health risks those chemicals pose are poorly understood.
Cover photo: U.S. researchers are seeking the light at the end of a rough year for science. (Image credit: Getty Images)
