MAGA Is Winning Its War Against U.S. Science

Source: NBER

Amidst the overwhelming stream of negative news, it may have gone unnoticed that the Trump administration is posing a significant threat to American science. The latest budget proposal includes a substantial increase in military spending alongside drastic cuts to social programs. However, as illustrated in the chart above, it also outlines severe reductions in research funding.

Moreover, Trump appointees are impeding scientific progress by significantly slowing down the approval rate of research grants. For instance, the National Science Foundation has witnessed a decline in the number of new grants that were approved.

In addition to this, a large number of existing grants have been either halted or terminated, particularly those focusing on infectious diseases. There has also been a noticeable decrease in the issuance of visas to foreign students, who often play a vital role in research and provide support to academic departments engaged in research activities.

When all these factors are combined, it becomes evident that a substantial portion of scientific research in the United States is at risk of coming to a grinding halt, not in a distant future, but potentially within the next couple of years.

This assault on American science comes at a time when the country’s global scientific standing has already been on the decline. Research conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that the U.S. has slipped in international scientific prominence, trailing behind China and slightly below the European Union in terms of publications in prestigious journals.

The erosion of U.S. scientific dominance was somewhat expected given China’s advancements. However, falling behind Europe, despite its perceived technological and economic lag, is a cause for concern. This shift raises questions about the factors contributing to America’s scientific slowdown.

The gradual shift towards anti-science sentiments among the U.S. right has likely played a role in this decline. The animosity towards science has intensified under the Trump administration, resonating not just among political elites but also within the Republican base.

The disconnect between Republicans and the scientific community is evident, with a notable lack of support for Republican candidates among scientists. The divergence stems from differences in views on issues such as evolution, climate change, and vaccine safety, where scientific evidence contradicts political beliefs.

Anti-intellectualism and a disdain for evidence-based decision-making have become prominent characteristics of the Republican Party, exacerbating the rift between science and politics. The consequential damage to the scientific enterprise could have far-reaching implications in various aspects of life and jeopardize America’s international stature as a scientific leader.

In light of these developments, the immediate future of U.S. science appears bleak, facing the looming threat of existential damage. The ramifications transcend scientific progress, impacting global leadership and the nation’s status as a scientific powerhouse.

MUSICAL CODA