Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump greeted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a Turning Point Action campaign rally on October 23, 2024. The two men shared a warm embrace, with Trump thanking Kennedy for his support and dedication to the campaign.
But amidst the cheers and excitement of the rally, a more serious issue was brought to light. More than 1,900 scientists had signed a letter to send an “SOS” about US President Donald Trump’s attacks on science. The letter, published on Monday by members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, warned of a “climate of fear” that has descended upon the research community.
“We see real danger in this moment,” the letter stated. “We hold diverse political beliefs, but we are united as researchers in wanting to protect independent scientific inquiry. We are sending this SOS to sound a clear warning: the nation’s scientific enterprise is being decimated.”
The letter went on to highlight some of the concerning actions taken by the Trump administration since his second term began. Critical meetings within the Department of Health and Human Services have been paused, employees at the National Weather Service have been fired, and research funding for important programs has been pulled, including a grant meant to protect pregnant women from domestic violence.
“For over 80 years, wise investments by the US government have built up the nation’s research enterprise, making it the envy of the world,” the letter continued. “Astoundingly, the Trump administration is destabilizing this enterprise by gutting funding for research, firing thousands of scientists, removing public access to scientific data, and pressuring researchers to alter or abandon their work on ideological grounds.”
Last week, under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS announced its plans to lay off 10,000 workers and shut down entire agencies. This includes agencies that oversee billions of dollars in funds for community health centers across the country. And on Tuesday morning, layoffs began at the National Institutes of Health, the world’s leading health and medical agency.
The letter also warned of the consequences of Trump’s current strategy, stating that the US will fall behind other nations that prioritize science.
“If our country’s research enterprise is dismantled, we will lose our scientific edge,” the letter cautioned. “Other countries will lead the development of novel disease treatments, clean energy sources, and the new technologies of the future. Their populations will be healthier, and their economies will surpass us in business, defense, intelligence gathering, and monitoring our planet’s health. The damage to our nation’s scientific enterprise could take decades to reverse.”
The full letter can be read here, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of science and research in our society. It also highlights the critical role that the US government has played in supporting and investing in these endeavors for the past 80 years.
As we approach the 2024 election, it is crucial that we consider the impact of our votes on the future of science and research in our country. The Trump administration’s actions have already had a detrimental effect, and it is up to us to ensure that this trend does not continue.
But amidst the concerns and warnings, there is also hope. The letter serves as a rallying cry for scientists and researchers to stand together and protect the integrity of their work. It is a call to action for citizens to demand that science and research remain a top priority for our government.
And it is a reminder that we must not take for granted the advancements and discoveries that have been made possible through the support of our nation’s scientific enterprise. We must continue to invest in and support the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, for the betterment of our society and the world.
In the words of Emma Barnett, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday, “I wasn’t sure how to celebrate turning 70. Then I sent an email that changed my entire year.” Let us all take inspiration from her and use our voices and actions to protect and promote the importance of science in our society.
As we look towards the future, let us remember the words of the letter: “If our country’s research enterprise is dismantled, we will lose our scientific edge.” We cannot afford to let this happen. Let us stand together and send a clear message that science matters, and we will not let it be silenced or undermined.
