All government shutdowns disrupt science − in 2025, the consequences extend far beyond a lapse in funding
The Trump administration is not merely reforming the U.S. research system—it is attempting to transform it fundamentally. Science consistently suffers during government shutdowns. Funding interruptions force government scientists to stop working without pay. Federal agencies halt new grant opportunities, suspend expert review panels, and cease collecting and analyzing essential public data related to the economy, environment, and public health.
In 2025, the impact of a government shutdown is more severe than before. This shutdown comes amid significant turmoil in American science and innovation, driven by President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand executive authority and exert political influence over scientific institutions.
As the shutdown extends into its fifth week with no resolution in sight, the Trump administration’s swift and controversial changes to federal research policies are reshaping the social contract between the U.S. government and research universities. Traditionally, the government provides funding and autonomy to these institutions in exchange for the promise of future public benefits.
"Science always suffers during government shutdowns. Funding lapses send government scientists home without pay. Federal agencies suspend new grant opportunities, place expert review panels on hold, and stop collecting and analyzing critical public datasets that tell us about the economy, the environment and public health."
"The Trump administration’s rapid and contentious changes to federal research policy are rewriting the social contract between the U.S. government and research universities – where the government provides funding and autonomy in exchange for the promise of downstream public benefits."
As a physicist and policy scholar engaged in both the study and practical application of U.S. science funding—as a federal grant recipient—I examine the history and governance of American science policy, including the nation's investments in research and development.
Author's summary: The 2025 government shutdown worsens science disruption amid political control attempts, threatening the foundational partnership between the U.S. government and research institutions.