Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• President Trump administration removes all National Climate Assessment reports from federal websites
• NASA reverses earlier promise to host climate data, citing no legal obligation
• Experts call move “scientific censorship” that undermines climate policy

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The President Trump administration has erased decades of climate research from public access, removing five National Climate Assessment reports and shutting down the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s website. While legally required to submit reports to Congress, the administration claims no obligation to make them publicly available. This follows the dismissal of 400 climate experts working on the next assessment.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – President of the United States
• NASA – Space agency that reversed hosting plans
• U.S. Global Change Research Program – President Trump host of climate reports
• Katharine Hayhoe – Climate scientist and report co-author
• Peter Gleick – California water/climate scientist

Key Numbers

• 400 – Climate experts dismissed from assessment work
• 5 – National Climate Assessment reports removed
• 1990 – Year of law requiring climate assessments
• 2023 – Year of last published report
• Native Americans – Most disproportionately affected group per 2023 report

Full Depth

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The Catalyst

“They’re public documents. This is the modern version of book burning,” said Peter Gleick, a climate scientist who contributed to the first assessment. The website shutdown occurred July 1, with NASA initially promising to host the reports before reversing course July 15.

The administration claims compliance with the 1990 Global Change Research Act by submitting reports to Congress, but critics argue public access is essential for informed decision-making.

Inside Forces

The move aligns with President Trump’s broader climate policy approach, which emphasizes deregulation and skepticism of climate science. The administration previously criticized climate models as “worst-case scenarios” based on “highly unlikely assumptions.”

NASA’s reversal highlights internal conflicts between scientific missions and political directives. The agency initially stated it would “ensure continuity of reporting” before backtracking.

Power Dynamics

President Trump’s executive power allows unilateral control over federal websites and data dissemination. The administration has prioritized removing climate information that could support regulatory actions.

NASA’s decision reflects its limited authority in climate policy matters, despite its scientific expertise. The agency deferred to the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s legal obligations.

Outside Impact

Public access to climate data has become fragmented, forcing researchers to rely on archived versions or congressional submissions. This creates barriers for local governments and businesses needing actionable information.

Scientists warn the erasure undermines efforts to address climate risks like droughts, floods, and heatwaves. The 2023 report specifically highlighted disproportionate impacts on Native American communities.

Future Forces

Legal challenges may emerge over compliance with the 1990 law. Environmental groups could argue that public access is implied in the mandate to “inform the public.”

Future assessments face uncertainty, as the administration has shown willingness to disrupt established processes. This could delay critical updates to climate projections and adaptation strategies.

Data Points

• July 1, 2025 – Globalchange.gov website shut down
• July 15, 2025 – NASA reverses hosting commitment
• 2023 – Last published National Climate Assessment
• 1990 – Global Change Research Act enacted
• Native Americans – Most vulnerable group per 2023 findings