Overview
- Neil Jacobs, a former NOAA acting administrator, was nominated by President Trump to lead the agency again despite his involvement in the 2019 'Sharpiegate' incident.
- Jacobs was censured for issuing a statement supporting Trump's false claim about Hurricane Dorian's path, which contradicted official forecasts and NOAA's scientific integrity policy.
- The nomination raises concerns about potential political interference in NOAA's operations, especially as Project 2025 proposes dismantling or privatizing parts of the agency.
- Staffing shortages and potential budget cuts at the National Weather Service, under NOAA, have sparked fears about the agency's ability to provide timely, life-saving weather forecasts.
- Jacobs, currently involved in improving U.S. weather forecasting systems, has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing his nomination as a pragmatic choice given his expertise.