On 5/23 #Trump signed an EO.
His appointees can now:
- Vet and approve all scientific research
- “Correct” scientific findings that don’t align with the admin views
- Control public communication of scientific data
- Discipline #federalscientists who speak out or deviate from the party line.

RFK Jr threatens ban on federal scientists publishing in top journals US health secretary calls leading medical journals such as Lancet ‘corrupt’ and pushes to create state-run alternatives Robert F Kennedy Jr has threatened to ban government scientists from publishing...

RFK Jr threatens ban on federal scientists publishing in top journals #Science #Other #RFKJr #SciencePublishing #FederalScientists

Key points include: - **Instrumental Use of Language**: Trump's remarks about a third term are seen as a strategic distraction to shift attention away from his immediate actions undermining democracy, such as executive orders suppressing votes and federal actions restricting speech[1][5]. - **Media Criticism**: The article criticizes journalists for amplifying Trump's rhetoric without adequately connecting it to his broader authoritarian agenda. Instead of focusing on his real-time attacks on democracy, the media often engages in speculative debates about constitutional violations years in the future[1][5]. - **Concrete Threats**: The author urges focusing on Trump's current actions—like tampering with elections, silencing dissent, and expanding executive power—which are clear steps toward consolidating long-term control[2][5]. - **Call to Action**: The piece advocates for reframing Trump’s statements as evidence of his overarching strategy to retain power indefinitely and addressing the immediate threats posed by his policies rather than engaging in speculative discussions[1][2]. Overall, the article underscores the need for vigilance against authoritarianism by addressing tangible threats rather than hypothetical scenarios. Citations: [1] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-joking-3rd-term-constitution-bars-scholars/story?id=120330633 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/us/with-sweeping-actions-trump-tests-us-constitutional-order-2025-03-21/ [3] https://www.metafilter.com/177592/No-One-Is-Above-the-Law [4] https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2016/05/friday_squid_bl_526.html [5] https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-president-third-term-chaos-constitutional-crisis-chaos-jd-vance-2052940 [6] https://bsky.app/profile/kristenginger1.bsky.social [7] https://whyy.org/articles/donald-trump-third-term-president/ [8] https://www.justice-integrity.org/660-lowell-barron [9] https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/30/politics/trump-punish-opponents/index.html

### Key Points: - **Economic Decline**: Once a prosperous nation in Central Europe, Hungary has become one of the poorest countries in the EU. Industrial production is falling, unemployment is rising, and inflation remains high. The education and healthcare systems are deteriorating, prompting skilled professionals to leave the country[2][4][6]. - **Corruption and Kleptocracy**: Orbán's government has created a system that benefits a small group of loyal oligarchs, often referred to as "NER-people." State contracts are manipulated to favor businesses connected to Orbán's family and allies. This legal yet corrupt system distorts the economy, with approximately 20% of companies operating on loyalty rather than merit[2][6]. dent media, and amending the constitution for electoral advantages. Emergency powers granted during the COVID-19 pandemic remain in place. His regime aligns closely with Russia and China while promoting nationalist rhetoric[2][5][7]. - **Social Challenges**: Despite promoting "family values," Hungary spends little on healthcare and restricts reproductive freedoms. The population is shrinking as young people avoid starting families in an environment marked by poor public services and pervasive corruption[2][3]. - **Admiration from U.S. Conservatives**: Orbán's model of governance—focused on consolidating power and suppressing dissent—is praised by some American conservatives as a blueprint for "modern statecraft." Figures like Steve Bannon have called Hungary an inspiration, despite its economic failures and social struggles[2]. ### Implications for America: The article warns that elements of Orbán’s governance—such as undermining civil service, attacking media independence, and fostering partisan justice—are being mirrored in U.S. politics. If unchecked, this could lead to similar outcomes of stagnation, corruption, and inequality in America[2].

## Key Developments: - **Funding Cuts**: Federal research budgets remain flat or are reduced. NIH funding has dropped by over $3 billion since Inauguration Day, and the Department of Defense's medical research budget has been slashed by 57%[1](https://www.science.org/content/article/news-glance-flat-u-s-research-budget-cdc-nominee-dropped-and-who-writes-review-letters)[3](https://www.axios.com/2025/03/31/us-science-china-trump). Universities are accepting fewer graduate students due to funding uncertainties[3](https://www.axios.com/2025/03/31/us-science-china-trump)[7](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/how-u-s-colleges-are-navigating-cuts-to-grants-for-research-after-trump-restricts-federal-funding). ng the upheaval to attract U.S.-based researchers[3](https://www.axios.com/2025/03/31/us-science-china-trump)[5](https://www.aau.edu/newsroom/leading-research-universities-report/uncertainties-science-agencies-continue-layoffs-begin). - **Impact on Universities**: Cuts to overhead costs for grants threaten research infrastructure at universities, which rely heavily on federal funding for operations[3](https://www.axios.com/2025/03/31/us-science-china-trump)[7](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/how-u-s-colleges-are-navigating-cuts-to-grants-for-research-after-trump-restricts-federal-funding). ch, and space exploration. China now surpasses the U.S. in international patent filings and awards more science and engineering doctorates annually[3](https://www.axios.com/2025/03/31/us-science-china-trump). Recommendations: A coalition of scientists, CEOs, and policymakers has called for reforms to modernize the U.S. scientific enterprise. Proposals include immigration reform to retain talent, increased investment in emerging fields like AI and biotech, and reducing administrative burdens on researchers[3]

#Authoritarianism #Autocracy #BrainDrain #ChinaTech #Constitution #Corruption #CurrentThreats #Democracy #DemocracyUnderThreat #Distraction #EconomicDecline #ElectionIntegrity #Emptywheel #ExecutivePower #FederalScientists #FreeSpeech #GlobalCompetition #Hungary #Illiberalism #InnovationRisk

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The foundations of America’s prosperity are being dismantled Federal scientists warn that Americans could feel the effects of the new administration's devastating cuts for decades to come.

“If you believe that innovation is important to economic development, then throwing a wrench in one of the most sophisticated and productive innovation machines in world history is not a good idea"
#AmericasProsperity #GovernmentCuts #FederalScientists #EconomicImpact #TechnologyReview

"When science is sidelined, people are harmed."

Plain and simple. People are feeling the impact of that right now.

#EPA
#Science
#FederalScientists
#Resist
#Protest
#ClimateAction

#Resource #FederalScientists #Federal #Scientists #Contractor