July update: Trying (and failing) to silence scientists
Trying (and failing) to silence scientists
86. That’s the number of anti-science actions the second Trump administration has taken since January 20 – a number that, although shocking, doesn’t fully capture the scale of the assault on federal science and researchers. We detailed the first three months of this administration’s efforts to undermine U.S. science in a guest post for the Sabin Center’s Climate Law Blog, “100 Days of Trump 2.0,” which offers a more detailed analysis.
Since that time, we have tracked an additional 25 actions by this administration aimed at undermining science. Notably, in early July, 144 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees were placed on administrative leave. The alleged crime? Signing onto a letter critical of the Trump administration and EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, whom they accuse of “undermining the EPA mission.”
Those 144 employees are now under investigation. This retaliatory move is clearly meant to scare anyone who might speak out about what this administration is doing to federal science.
However, scientists are standing strong. We have heard from many federal researchers and others who are willing to stand up and fight back.
Some of our current cases include:
- Assisting an academic who participated in a climate protest against aggressive retaliation from their institution.
- Advocating for the preservation of access to critical climate data held by federal agencies.
- Defending researchers who hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change.
We remain committed to protecting and defending scientists. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out for a free, confidential 1:1 consultation with one of our attorneys.
Are you personally affected by the shuttering of GlobalChange.gov? We’d love to hear about how you utilized the National Climate Assessment or other website resources in your personal or professional life. Please contact us at lawyer@csldf.org or 646 801 0853 (by phone or Signal).
Please note that things are moving very quickly and may have changed by the time you read this newsletter.
Summer Match Update – YOU did it!
While summer isn’t over, we are thrilled to announce that our summer matching campaign is! Thanks to our generous supporters and friends, we were able to meet our target earlier than ever before. That means an extra $50,000 that will go directly towards protecting and defending scientists.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated community for your ongoing support of our mission. In such dark times, you provide us with a beacon of hope. Thank you.
News
Trump fossil-fuel push setting back green progress decades, critics warn
July 20, 2025 | Peter Stone, The Guardian
The second Trump administration is pushing for increased fossil fuel production, despite years of scientific evidence that burning fossil fuels has contributed significantly to climate change. Michael Gerrard, director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and CSLDF Board member, noted that the administration’s misguided energy moves and rejection of science are having enormous societal costs. Naomi Oreskes, Harvard science historian and CSLDF Board member, also warned that the Trump administration’s denigration of science will do long-term damage to public health, the environment, and scientific progress.
June 27, 2025 | Chelsea Polis, Inquisitive
In scholarship, we live like the truth will set us free. And maybe it will. But in my case — in which lower and upper courts both found in my favor — freedom from the threat of financial ruin came only after a nearly two-year battle and the labor of many brilliant lawyers.
Upcoming Events
ESA 2025: Free Legal Consultations
August 11 – 14, 2025 | Baltimore, MD
Scientists attending the Ecological Society of America (ESA) conference can meet with CSLDF attorneys for free, confidential, 30-minute one-on-one legal consultations.