President Donald Trump's second term saw a significant decline in federal data collection across various sectors, according to a report released Dec. 31, 2025. The administration's actions, driven by ideological opposition to data, a desire to conceal unfavorable trends, and budget cuts, have undermined data collection related to the environment, public health, employment, demographics, and weather, the report stated.
The reduction in data collection has far-reaching implications for scientific advancements, economic transparency, and public health monitoring. Experts warn that the lack of robust and accurate data will hinder scientific progress, obscure the true state of the economy, and potentially lead to missed health crises. Umair Irfan, one of the report's authors, noted that "with less robust and accurate data, advances in science will slow down, Americans will have a murkier picture of the economy, and officials could miss important health."
Budget cuts have significantly impacted agencies' ability to effectively monitor the country. Reduced staffing and resources have made it difficult for agencies to maintain data collection efforts, leading to gaps in information and potential inaccuracies.
The administration's approach to data collection has raised concerns among scientists, economists, and public health officials. Critics argue that the administration's reliance on "vibes" rather than data-driven decision-making could have detrimental consequences for the country. The long-term effects of these changes remain to be seen, but experts warn that the erosion of data collection could have lasting impacts on various sectors.
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