Amid federal cuts to science and public health, a new national survey found that Americans largely disapprove of efforts to fund research, fire department staff and stop public health dissemination.
Under the Citizen Health and Institutional Program (CHIP50), less than a quarter of Americans support the Trump administration’s science-related actions, while almost half oppose them.
Broad opposition to disruptions to scientific institutions
The survey is based on responses from more than 31,000 U.S. adults from all 50 states, a growing gap between government decision-making and public opinion on scientific policy. Ask participants about eight specific federal actions, including:
- People who propose to cut 40% of the NIH budget, resulting in termination of 2,100 research grants worth $9.5 billion
- CDC, HHS and NOAA batch layoffs
- Suspend the allocation of public health information
- Delete data sets related to gender, diversity and environmental justice
Disapproved movements limit restrictions on public information: 51% of respondents opposed pauses in health transmission, while 50% opposed NOAA shooting. Only two measures received more than 25% approval: demolition of the United States Agency for International Development (29%) and the CDC layoffs (27%).
Public support is still great
Despite the increasing political polarization, most Americans favor increased government investment in science, especially medical research:
- 57% More funding for medical research
- 42% Supporting increased funding for scientific research
- only 10% Want to cut medical research, and 16% Overall science
Democrats (67%), young people (63%) and graduate degree holders (63%) had the highest support. Even among Republicans, nearly half (48%) favor more medical research funding, although only 31% support the increase in science funding.
Trust in scientists is declining, but it is still stronger than most institutions
Trust in scientists and researchers has dropped dramatically over the past five years, from 58% in 2020 to 36% in 2025. Among Republicans, trust fell to 26%. Still, scientists and doctors are more trusted than Congress, Supreme Court or news media.
“Overall, our research shows that government’s actions to carry out large-scale layoffs in scientific work and health institutions have not received strong public support,” said Katherine Ognyanova, associate professor at Rutgers and lead investigator of the investigation.
A country splits – but not completely
Not surprisingly, partisan positions play an important role. Although 74% of Democrats opposed the action, 42% of Republicans agreed. However, the data also reveals contradictions: More than 30% of respondents choose “neither approve nor object” on many issues.
Importantly, support for medical research is a rare point in bipartisan consensus, which is a scientific value of direct exposure to human health in the absence of trust and division.
Looking to the future
As legal challenges develop, scientific institutions struggle to restore grants and credibility, the data shows a clear description: Americans are not opposed to science despite political polarization. Information from the public is subtle but firm – protecting the backbone of American science, especially when it comes to health.
Explore the complete chip 50 investigation report here
Related
If our report has been informed or inspired, please consider donating. No matter how big or small, every contribution allows us to continue to provide accurate, engaging and trustworthy scientific and medical news. Independent news takes time, energy and resources – your support ensures that we can continue to reveal the stories that matter most to you.
Join us to make knowledge accessible and impactful. Thank you for standing with us!
