politics
April 30, 2026
The Guardian view on Trump’s war on science: politicising a generation of researchers
By attacking the basic settlement between scientists and the state, the US president has proved that experts can’t avoid these fights
TL;DR
- Donald Trump's efforts to cut federal scientific funding were largely unsuccessful, with Congress approving budget increases.
- Scientists are becoming more politically active, with a surge in candidates backed by organizations supporting Democrats.
- Rightwing populist leaders globally, like Bolsonaro in Brazil and Modi in India, have also attacked science and cut environmental funding.
- The historical scientific social contract, where the state funds research but discourages interference, is under threat.
- Scientists are now defending the independence of science from politics, not just funding.
- The engagement of scientists in politics may lead to a better public understanding of scientific challenges and a stronger opposition to rightwing populism.
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