Scientists have come to a sobering conclusion about the U.S. research landscape, nearly one year after President Donald Trump returned to the White House: It might never be the same.
That’s because Trump has caused lasting damage to the scientific enterprise over the last 11 months, experts say. And most of it can’t be easily or quickly repaired, even if a subsequent administration wants to take up the challenge.
It’s a somber realization for scientists and science advocates as 2025 draws to a close. But as 2026 approaches, they’re planning for the years to come — and contemplating ways to build a science landscape that can withstand future political upheaval.
“We are not going back to what happened before or what was in place in 2023 and 2024,” said Kei Koizumi, a science policy expert and a former official at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under President Joe Biden. “The future is going to look different, in part because we can’t undo what is happening now.”
