American Innovation was Great While it Lasted

Trump’s purge of science, coupled with a fear campaign, will cripple medical, technological, scientific, military and economic advancements for decades, analysts say

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The foundation of American innovation and greatness in science, technology, medicine and even military prowess is being dismantled as you read this. Funding cuts by the Trump administration to basic research are already impacting the economy of every state in the country, red, blue or otherwise, and, combined with a fear campaign to discourage scientists from speaking out, promise a decline in the health and welfare of all Americans for decades to come.

This isn’t just about science. It’s about economics, public health, national security, and how well America competes globally. The cuts are already prompting a brain drain, as scientists fired in the US are being courted by governments and universities around the world.

Let’s consider just the economics for a moment:

Taxpayer supported research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other federal agencies returns between $1.50 and $3 for every…