1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

The politicization of science is deeply concerning and threatens public trust in objective research and evidence-based policymaking. Principles like transparency, reproducibility, and rigorous peer review are essential for maintaining scientific integrity. However, this executive order appears to be an authoritarian overreach that could severely restrict access to legitimate scientific information and open inquiry. Imposing restrictive guidelines that allow the suppression of data and conclusions that contradict the administration's agenda is antithetical to the spirit of scientific discovery. Unchecked, this order risks undermining public faith in science and expertise while enabling the spread of misinformation under the guise of "gold standard science." I urge you to reconsider this reckless action that jeopardizes years of scientific progress and fact-based governance. Policymaking must remain grounded in empirical evidence, not political expediency. Protecting the freedom to research, analyze data objectively, and share findings openly is essential for a functional democracy.