Historians See Autocratic Playbook in Trump’s Attacks on Science

The article discusses how authoritarian leaders have historically sought to undermine and suppress scientific knowledge, and how some experts see President Trump's approach towards science as following a similar playbook. The article notes that authoritarians have often viewed science as a rival for social influence, as it can challenge the narratives and claims made by those in power. Experts suggest that President Trump's repeated attacks on established scientific consensus, particularly around issues like climate change, echo tactics used by autocratic regimes to discredit and undermine scientific institutions. The article highlights how such attacks can have far-reaching consequences, as they can sow public confusion and distrust in the credibility of scientific research. Ultimately, the piece suggests that the tension between political power and scientific objectivity is a long-standing dynamic that continues to play out in the current political landscape.