Over 1,900 scientists, engineers, and researchers have written an open letter to President Trump, urging his administration to halt its “assault” on scientific research. The signatories, members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, expressed grave concern for the future of U.S. science.
The letter, signed by individuals rather than institutions, highlighted the dangers of current actions that threaten scientific integrity. “We see real danger in this moment,” the letter stated. It calls for the protection of independent scientific inquiry and urges the public to support their cause.
The Trump administration’s recent actions, including cutting research funding and firing scientists, were criticized in the letter. Notably, several NIH research grants on LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity were canceled, as they no longer aligned with the administration’s priorities.
In addition, layoffs across the Department of Health and Human Services, part of efforts to reduce federal agency sizes, have raised further concerns. The department also removed a Surgeon General’s advisory on gun violence, citing compliance with an executive order protecting Second Amendment rights.
The letter warns that if the U.S. research enterprise is dismantled, the country risks losing its scientific edge, allowing other nations to surpass it in areas like disease treatments, clean energy, and technology. The signatories urge immediate action to preserve U.S. scientific leadership.
The letter coincides with layoffs at key agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the CDC. Up to 10,000 jobs are expected to be cut, further limiting the government’s ability to address public health issues.
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