Trump Unveils Executive Order to Overhaul Federal Science Policies

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order titled "Restoring Gold Standard Science," aiming to overhaul federal agencies' handling of scientific research and restore public trust in science. The order cites the feds' management of the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change as key factors contributing to the erosion of public confidence. Under the new policy, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must issue guidance within 30 days to revamp agency science practices, emphasizing reproducibility and transparency. Federal agencies are also required to review all Biden-era regulations to ensure alignment with the updated standards. Additionally, agencies must revert to the scientific integrity policies in place at the end of Trump's first term while developing new frameworks. The order reflects past Republican efforts to increase transparency in scientific research, which critics argue were designed to limit regulations safeguarding health and the environment. A 2020 EPA rule on transparency, rescinded under Biden, faced similar backlash. Trump's latest move aims to address perceived shortcomings in federal science handling and restore public faith in scientific processes.

Published: 5/27/2025