Threats to science and scientific research, withdrawal of US aid to international organizations
Since his investiture on January 20, Donald Trump has taken a series of decisions that will have a major and negative impact on scientific research in the United States, with consequences worldwide, particularly through international collaborations, which are also being targeted. Federal budget cuts have been announced, including layoffs of researchers and civil servants, and the elimination of key programs. The administration of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, his aide in charge of Government Efficiency, who is beyond Senate scrutiny due to not being a member of the federal government, have decided to drastically cut U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) humanitarian aid funds. The latter development agency, which accounts for 42% of the world’s humanitarian aid, has seen its funds suddenly frozen, and the disorganization is affecting more than a hundred countries, where the various non-governmental organization (NGO) are in dire straits.