With President Donald Trump’s return to office, questions have arisen about changes in public policy that pertain to science. His first term saw significant shifts in scientific priorities, environmental policies and public health decisions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as his second term unfolds, the administration’s actions in science and technology are coming into focus.

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A key aspect of the Trump Administration’s approach to science and technology policy is his direct collaboration with prominent tech leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and, most notably, Elon Musk. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, the administration has moved swiftly to expand digitalization, issuing a flurry of executive orders aimed at reshaping federal technology policy. One major initiative is the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk and tasked with overhauling federal technology and information technology to enhance productivity. According to congressional watchdog reports, nearly 25% of recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget and agencies since 2010 have not been implemented. Another executive order seeks to remove bureaucratic barriers to AI development, ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader in artificial intelligence by streamlining regulations and fostering private sector innovation.

Additionally, as digital assets and financial technology grow in influence, the administration is developing policies — such as the executive order “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology” — to regulate cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance (DeFi) and AI-driven financial services. DeFi refers to financial systems that operate without traditional banks, using blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer transactions. At the same time, consumer protection in this context means ensuring that individuals are safeguarded from fraud, scams and unfair practices in these emerging financial spaces. These efforts reflect a broader push to integrate advanced technology into government operations while positioning the U.S. as a leader in AI, financial technology and digital modernization.

Despite these modernization efforts, the administration has also taken steps that shift priorities in areas such as climate change and health research. One of the most notable decisions has been the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, citing concerns over economic impacts on American industries. While supporters argue this move prioritizes domestic energy independence and economic growth, critics warn that it could hinder global efforts to address rising temperatures and extreme weather events, especially since 2024 was the hottest year globally to date.

In addition, the administration has rolled back key environmental regulations, including emissions limits for power plants and fuel efficiency standards, marking a shift away from climate-focused policies. The “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, eased restrictions on oil and gas drilling, allowing expanded extraction on federal lands and offshore sites. The order also directs federal agencies to review and rescind regulations that are deemed to burden domestic energy production, streamlining approval processes for fossil fuel projects. While proponents argue these policies will boost job creation and reduce energy costs, environmental groups warn they may accelerate carbon emissions and weaken protections for air and water quality.

Beyond environmental policy, changes in health research and public health funding have also drawn attention. Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and global health crises. While the administration argues that reforms within the WHO are necessary, the decision has raised concerns about its potential impact on international health initiatives and the nation’s ability to respond to future pandemics.

Additionally, proposed budget reductions for key health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have sparked discussions about the long-term effects on medical research and public health programs. A temporary freeze on federal grants and loans has added to uncertainty within health initiatives, potentially affecting programs such as HIV/AIDS research and maternal health services and broader scientific efforts as well.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), a federal agency that supports scientific research and education, which has a budget of around 9 billion dollars in grants, has also become victim to these cuts, hindering current projects and educational endeavors of many graduate students and researchers, arguably the future generation of science, who heavily rely on this sort of funding to create breakthrough discoveries in their respective fields.

As the administration continues to implement its policies, the scientific community and policymakers will closely monitor the long-term effects on research, public health and technological innovation. While some initiatives aim to modernize government operations and reduce regulatory barriers, shifts in climate policy, health funding and international collaboration raise questions about how these changes will shape the future of U.S. leadership in science and public policy.

A version of this article appeared on p.10 of the Feb. 6, 2025 edition of the Daily Nexus.