Trump Signs Flurry of Executive Orders
Following his inauguration, President Donald Trump moved swiftly to implement his agenda through a series of executive orders, overturning several of his predecessor Joe Biden's policies. These actions signaled a significant shift in policy direction across various sectors and could dramatically reshape the United States' scientific priorities.
Key actions relevant to science include:
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Revoking numerous Biden-era orders focused on climate change, pandemic response, artificial intelligence, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
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Terminating DEI programs and equity-related funding at federal agencies. The Office of Personnel Management also released initial guidance for agencies to follow to close their DEI offices.
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Beginning America's withdrawal from the World Health Organization.
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Declaring a "national energy emergency" to expedite domestic energy projects and pausing the disbursement of certain funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act--key climate and infrastructure laws enacted under Biden. The latter order, focused on "unleashing American energy," also terminates the American Climate Corps and revokes Biden's memorandum on scientific integrity.
- Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and other agreements made under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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Freezing regulatory actions pending review by a department or agency head appointed or designated by the President.
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Reinstating a policy from the previous Trump Administration to designate certain federal staff serving in "confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating" positions into a civil service classification that would make it easier to fire career federal employees.
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Additional actions related to the federal workforce, which comprises roughly 280,000 scientists and engineers, included freezing hiring for up to 90 days with a directive to reduce the size of the federal workforce through "efficiency improvements and attrition"; ordering the development of a 'Federal Hiring Plan' that removes identity-based considerations and prioritizes candidates "committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government"; and mandating a return to in-person work "as soon as practicable," while allowing for exemptions.
- Directing agencies to enhance visa screening procedures and to "evaluate all visa programs to ensure that they are not used by foreign nation-states or other hostile actors to harm the security, economic, political, cultural, or other national interests of the United States."
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Launching the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative to cut government spending, by reorganizing the U.S. Digital Service into the "U.S. DOGE Service."
The extent of the impact of many of these orders remains unclear. While some fields, such as artificial intelligence and space exploration, might benefit under a second Trump term, experts express deep concern about the potential harm to science, public health, and the global reputation of U.S. leadership.
Additional Science Nominees, Acting Heads Announced
Since taking office, President Trump has announced his nominees for several deputy cabinet secretaries and other senior officials as well as named the individuals who will serve as acting heads of various federal departments and agencies.
Key science related nominations include:
- James Danly, who served as Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chair during his previous administration, was nominated to be Deputy Energy Secretary.
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Director of IBM Research Dario Gil has been nominated to serve as Undersecretary of Science and Innovation at the Department of Energy (DOE). Gil currently chairs the National Science Board (NSB), the policymaking body of the National Science Foundation. He served on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology during Trump's first term, where he chaired a subcommittee focused on American global leadership in industries of the future. The position he's nominated for overseesDOE's applied research and development programs and the Office of Science, which stewards 10 national labs. Gil is expected to keep his NSB Chair role until he is confirmed by the Senate. NSB Vice Chair Victor McCrary would then serve as acting chair until a new chair is elected.
- Trump nominated Wells Griffith to be Under Secretary of Energy. Griffith served in multiple roles at DOE and the White House during Trump's first term, including as Senior Director for Energy and Environment on the National Security Council and Acting Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at DOE.
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James O'Neill has been nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). O'Neill, a biotech investor and former top aide to venture capitalist Peter Thiel, previously served as HHS Principal Associate Deputy Secretary during the George W. Bush Administration.
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Stephen Vaden, a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, has been nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Vaden served as General Counsel for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during Trump's first term and a member of the board of the agency's Commodity Credit Corporation.
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Trump nominated Katharine MacGregor to return as Deputy Interior Secretary. MacGregor previously served in many Capitol Hill and Interior posts before being tapped for Deputy Secretary in early 2020.
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David Fotouhi is Trump's nominee to be the Deputy Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The position plays a critical role in managing the agency workforce, which is expected to be downsized by the current administration. Fotouhi previously served as Acting General Counsel at EPA, before returning to private practice on environmental litigation and enforcement.
Trump also announced the roster of individuals who would serve as acting heads of federal agencies and departments until his nominees are confirmed by the Senate. Below are some notable interim appointments:
- Dorothy Fink, an endocrinologist and Director of the HHS Office on Women's Health was named interim HHS Secretary. Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the HHS.
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Matthew Memoli has been appointed Acting Director for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Memoli, a senior intramural researcher at NIH, will serve in this role until NIH Director nominee Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is confirmed.
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Walter Cruickshank, Deputy Director for the Bureau of Ocean Management, will serve as Acting Interior Secretary, until Doug Burgum is confirmed.
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Scientist Sarah Ryker has been appointed to serve as Acting Director for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Former USGS Director David Applegate has stepped down and taken over the role of the agency's chief scientist. Trump has yet to announce his USGS Director nominee.
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Ingrid Kolb, Director of the DOE Office of Management, will serve as Acting Energy Secretary while Chris Wright awaits Senate confirmation.
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James Payne, a career lawyer who has been with EPA since 2016, will act as Acting EPA Administrator. Payne is a Deputy General Counsel and the designated ethics official at EPA. Trump has nominated Lee Zeldin to lead EPA.
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The President tapped Gary Washington, Chief Information Officer at the USDA, to serve as ActingAgriculture Secretary while Brooke Rollins' nomination moves through the Senate.
Travel, Meetings, and Communications Suspended at NIH
The Trump Administration has imposed sweeping restrictions on the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leading to widespread confusion and disruption. In addition to imposing a government-wide hiring freeze, the Trump team has ordered a temporary halt on NIH communications, travel, and meetings, as well as the abrupt cancellation of grant review panels, advisory committee meetings, and training workshops at the agency.
The pause on external communications was announced in a January 21 memo issued by NIH's parent organization, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as reported by Science Insider. The memo orders a pause on issuing of public documents and communications, including regulations, guidance documents, grant announcements, social media posts, and press releases, and restricts participation in speaking engagements through February 1, 2025. While a daylong pause in communications in not unusual at the start of new administrations, the duration of the current suspension is unprecedented, according to a report by Nature.
The following day, an email sent to senior NIH officials notified them of an "immediate and indefinite" suspension of all travel throughout HHS, with exceptions to allow return travel for those currently on official travel. Furthermore, as a result of the communications pause, federal advisory committee meetings and peer review panels have also been temporarily suspended at NIH.
These actions temporarily freeze a large part of NIH's $47 billion budget, delaying critical funding and potentially jeopardizing researchers' careers, particularly those who are early career. Researchers worry the travel ban and communication pause would hinder NIH's ability to present findings, recruit patients for clinical trials, and move forward with grant awards, potentially delaying critical scientific progress.
Adding to concerns, materials related to diversity programs and grants have been removed from NIH's website, following Trump's executive order targeting diversity initiatives. This includes resources for diversity supplements and programs addressing structural racism in science. Critics warn these measures undermine efforts to support underrepresented researchers, as the community awaits clarity on the resumption of normal operations.
Trump's Energy, Interior, and EPA Nominees Advance in the Senate
President Trump's nominees for Energy and Interior Secretaries and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator testified before Senate committees at nomination hearings held earlier this month.
Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright appeared before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on January 15, where he vowed to prioritize innovation and technology breakthroughs. Wright is the founder and CEO of Denver-based fracking company Liberty Energy and has been critical of federal efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. He described himself as "a science geek, turned tech nerd, turned lifelong energy entrepreneur," who has a background working on fusion energy at MIT and solar energy at UC Berkeley.
"Throughout my lifetime, technology and innovation have immeasurably enhanced the human condition," Wright said during the hearing. "We must protect and accelerate the work of the Department's national laboratory network to secure America's competitive edge and its security." The committee advanced Wright's nomination with a 15-5 vote.
Former North Dakota Governor and Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on January 16. He advocated for increased fossil fuel production on public lands to address what he described as an "energy crisis," while also supporting the protection of national parks and clean energy development. He emphasized that the U.S. needs "an all of the above strategy," arguing that fossil fuels are necessary to create stability in the country's energy supply.
He faced pushback from Democrats on climate change, offshore wind projects, and fossil fuel emissions but defended carbon capture as a solution to address environmental concerns. The committee voted 18-2 to advance Burgum's nomination. If confirmed, Burgum would also lead a newly created National Energy Council.
Trump's EPA Administrator nominee Lee Zeldin appeared before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on January 16, where he faced questions about President Trump's deregulatory agenda and his approach to environmental protection. Zeldin pledged bipartisan collaboration, transparency, and accountability in leading the EPA while upholding its mission to protect public health and the environment.
At the hearing, Democrats scrutinized Zeldin's ties to fossil fuel interests through his past consulting work. In response, Zeldin emphasized his military service and commitment to making independent decisions. When questioned about speculation over Trump's plan to shrink the agency, Zeldin indicated he would follow Congress' lead on funding. He dismissed speculation about relocating the EPA's headquarters or eliminating its enforcement office.
Zeldin vowed to ensure accountability for the $41.5 billion allocated to EPA through the Inflation Reduction Act while acknowledging the need for oversight of grant distribution. He highlighted his bipartisan work on PFAS, vowing action on cleanup projects and ensuring EPA fulfills its responsibilities on the issue. Zeldin also remarked that the Supreme Court's Sackett v. EPA ruling on wetlands regulation was "clear and prescriptive" and pledged to honor the decision in any future rulemaking. His nomination cleared the committee on an 11-8 vote.
The full Senate is expected to vote on all three nominees this week.
House Appropriations Subcommittee Rosters Finalized
Leaders of the House Appropriations Committee have announced the final rosters for its 12 subcommittees, including the chairs and ranking members for each spending panel.
Notably, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which drafts spending legislation for the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, would be chaired by Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY), with Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) serving as Ranking Member. Meng replaces Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA), who lost reelection.
The Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, which oversees funding for the National Institutes of Health, will be led by Chair Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).
The Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, which drafts appropriations bills for the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency, will be led by Chair Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree (D-ME).
The Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, which oversees funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be led by Chair Andy Harris (R-MD) and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop (D-GA).
The Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, which oversees spending for the Department of Energy, would be led by Chair Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) and Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).
The full committee is chaired by Representative Tom Cole (R-OK) with Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) serving as Ranking Member.
Participate in the 2024 AIBS Congressional Visits Day
Join the American Institute of Biological Sciences on April 28-30, 2025 for our annual Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC.
Meet with your members of Congress to help them understand the important role the federal government plays in supporting the biological sciences. Advocate for federal investments in biological sciences research supported by the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies.
Participants will complete a communications and advocacy training program provided by AIBS that prepares them to be effective advocates for their science. AIBS will provide participants with background information and materials, as well as arrange meetings with lawmakers on April 30.
Who should participate?
Scientists, graduate students, educators, or other science community members who are interested in advocating for scientific research and education are encouraged to participate in this important event.
The ideal participant will:
- Have an interest in science policy.
- Work in a scientific profession or be enrolled in graduate school.
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Be able to speak about the importance of biological research funded by federal agencies (e.g. NSF, NIH, USDA).
- Provide compelling examples from their own experiences.
Training
The event includes a free, half-day training session on how to be an effective advocate for science policy. This training session will be held on April 29, 2025 and is mandatory for everyone who will be participating in congressional meetings.
Additionally, participants have the option to attend the highly acclaimed AIBS Communications Boot Camp for Scientists. This training course will be held in Washington, DC on April 28-29, 2025. This professional development program provides practical instruction and interactive exercises designed to help scientists (e.g. researchers, graduate students, administrators, educators) translate scientific information for non-technical audiences and to effectively engage with decision-makers and the news media. All participants who complete this optional training will receive priority access to the Congressional Visits Day and a certificate of completion indicating that they have successfully completed 16 hours of communications training. Click here for more information, including cost, for this two-day training program.
Registration
Express your interest in participating in the event by registering. Registration closes on March 3, 2025. Space is limited and we encourage you to register early. If registrations exceed program capacity, AIBS may prioritize registrants based on participation in the boot camp training, geographic diversity, and other factors. Register now.
Short Takes
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Join the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) on January 30 at 2:30-4:00 PM ET for a webinar on the recently published Building Institutional Capacity for Engaged Research: Proceedings of A Workshop. The workshop, carried out by the Board on Science Education, brought together participants from across the research ecosystem to share actionable ideas and innovations for building institutional capacity for engaged research, approaches for overcoming common barriers and tensions, and concrete ideas for coordination and capacity building. Register now.
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The House has passed H.R. 207, the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act, sponsored by Representative Robert Wittman (R-VA). The bill would direct the Department of Commerce to establish a task force to address shark depredation, a phenomenon where sharks remove hooked fish from anglers' lines. The task force would be charged with identifying research priorities and ways to improve coordination and communication across the fisheries management and shark research communities to address shark depredation.
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Join the NASEM Committee on Assistance to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Building a Framework for Addressing PFAS on Agricultural Landon January 30, 2025 from 9:45 AM - 3:45 PM ET for its first public meeting. The meeting will include a discussion with representatives from the study's sponsor, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, as well as speakers from the Environmental Protection Agency. Members of the public can make a public comment to the committee by completing this form by January 28, 2025. This is a hybrid meeting, available to attend virtually or in person. Register here by January 28.
From the Federal Register
The following items appeared in the Federal Register from January 13 to 24, 2025.
Agriculture
Commerce
Environmental Protection Agency
Health and Human Services
Interior
National Science Foundation