Trump Administration's Executive Orders Disrupt U.S. Scientific Research and Climate Funding

Federal grant freezes, targeting of diversity initiatives, and removal of key data spark widespread uncertainty in scientific and environmental communities.

A series of executive orders under President Trump have paused federal grant funding, impacting scientific research, climate initiatives, and diversity-focused programs across multiple agencies.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) temporarily froze grants, later resuming payments but continuing to review projects for compliance with new restrictions targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility frameworks.
Environmental and public health organizations, including nonprofits and universities, report halted projects, salary freezes, and uncertainty over future funding, with some fearing long-term damage to public health and research capabilities.
Key federal agencies like NASA, NOAA, and the CDC have removed data and programs related to climate change, accessibility, and marginalized communities, raising concerns about censorship and compliance with federal law.
Legal challenges have led to temporary injunctions against some of the funding freezes, but many researchers and organizations remain in limbo, with fears of further disruptions and a potential brain drain in U.S. academia.