"The speed, the scope and the severity of the attacks on science are beyond anything we've ever seen,"
"Wherever there is disruption, there is opportunity,"
"The challenge is that there is so much distress now and there are actors that seem very clear in their behaviour to not actually have good intentions for improving science,"
Federal agencies implemented layoffs, grant terminations, and funding cuts that disrupted scientific career pipelines and federal job stability. The Union of Concerned Scientists tracked 536 government actions in 2025, more than double the 207 incidents recorded during 2017–21, including alterations to CDC guidance on 'Autism and Vaccines.' Scientists studying climate change, vaccines, LGBTQ+ issues, and health disparities reported increased online harassment and intimidation. Some researchers began leaving the country to continue their work, and analysis of job listings signaled a potential brain drain. Science-reform groups emphasized potential opportunities amid disruption but noted widespread distress and bad-faith actors.
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