Opinion | The Human Cost of the Trump Administration’s War on Science

NYT Homepage

by Jeneen Interlandi

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Trump administration's actions during its second term have severely impacted science, medicine, and public health. Federal institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been systematically defunded and destabilized, with researchers facing mass layoffs and reduced funding. This has led to a significant decline in scientific discourse and progress on critical public health challenges. The administration's appointment of ideologues, such as anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to key positions further eroded trust between scientists, leaders, and the general public. Historically, American science has been a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth, contributing to life-saving advancements like polio vaccines and CRISPR gene editing. The NIH alone generates $2.50 in economic returns for every dollar invested, making it a global leader in biomedical research. However, the administration's claims of cutting waste and eliminating "woke" politics from science have been widely criticized as disingenuous and inadequate. The dismantling of these institutions has far-reaching consequences. Rebuilding them will be more challenging than their destruction, especially if the public loses faith in their importance. Key figures, such as Tom Frieden, have warned that the administration's portrayal of scientists as elitist and ineffective undermines decades of progress in public health. The long-term effects of this "war on science" could set back critical research and public health initiatives for years to come. This situation matters because science is not just a field of study—it underpins modern life, from medical advancements to technological innovations. The erosion of scientific integrity and funding threatens the well-being of millions and weakens the nation's ability to address future health crises. Readers interested in news about government policies and their impact on public health and innovation should pay close attention to how these actions shape the future of science in America.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/23/2026