ABSTRACT Public trust in science has declined in the US since early 2025. In June 2025, only 8% of U.S. adults reported a great trust in science, a significant drop of nearly 24 percentage points from the previous record of 32% in June 2023. Additionally, in a recent survey by Nature, over 94% of U.S.‐based researchers expressed concerns about the future of science. The scientific community is concerned that current science policies may negatively affect society worldwide. Scientific evidence is a vital source of information for policymaking, particularly in liberal democratic societies where trust in science is at the bedrock. Given recent U.S. policy shifts, understanding trust in science and its relationship with policymaking has become urgent. The policymakers, scientific community, media, and public play essential roles in this process. To ensure trust and support for science, all sectors of society must be informed and develop a thorough understanding of the current challenges and available recommended actions. However, to our knowledge, no review has been conducted that focuses specifically on recent U.S. policy changes, nor on the various stakeholders involved. This review article aims to achieve these goals by outlining the connection between science, public trust, and policymaking and by examining trends in trust in science in the US. It summarizes the recent changes that present challenges to scientific integrity and public trust. It also explains the lasting consequences of low trust in science on society and the resulting impact on addressing global issues. The article concludes with specific recommendations for policymakers, the scientific community, media, and public to safeguard this crucial pillar of policy and democracy.
Man-pui Sally Chan (2025) studied this question.