President Donald Trump's second term saw a marked decline in federal data collection across various sectors, impacting scientific progress, economic transparency, and public health monitoring. This trend, observed since the beginning of Trump's second term, stems from ideological opposition to data, attempts to obscure unfavorable trends, and significant budget and job cuts within government agencies, according to a report released Dec. 31, 2025, by ClimateInside.
The reduction in data collection spans environmental monitoring, public health tracking, employment statistics, demographic surveys, and weather data gathering. Umair Irfan, lead author of the ClimateInside report, stated, "The administration's approach can be characterized as 'no data, just vibes,' prioritizing gut feelings over empirical evidence." This approach has raised concerns among scientists and policymakers about the long-term consequences for informed decision-making.
One key area affected is climate science. The report details how funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hampered the agency's ability to maintain its network of climate monitoring stations. This reduction in data directly impacts the accuracy of climate models and the ability to predict extreme weather events. Dylan Scott, a contributing author to the report, noted that "the lack of reliable climate data makes it harder to assess the impact of policies aimed at mitigating climate change."
In the realm of public health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) experienced significant staff reductions, leading to delays in the collection and analysis of disease surveillance data. This slowdown hindered the agency's ability to respond effectively to emerging health threats. Shayna Korol, another author of the report, emphasized that "accurate and timely data is crucial for identifying and containing outbreaks, and the cuts have severely compromised this capability."
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also faced challenges in maintaining the accuracy of employment data due to budget constraints. This has made it more difficult to assess the true state of the economy and inform policy decisions related to job creation and unemployment. Sara Herschander, a contributing author, explained that "reliable employment data is essential for understanding economic trends and making informed investment decisions."
Critics argue that the administration's actions undermine the role of science in policymaking and create a climate of distrust in government institutions. Supporters, however, contend that the changes are necessary to streamline government operations and reduce unnecessary spending. The long-term effects of these data collection rollbacks remain to be seen, but experts warn that they could have significant consequences for the nation's ability to address critical challenges in the years to come.
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