Trump Administration Orders Dismantling of Top Climate Lab Citing Alarmism
Boulder, Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
In a decisive shift for federal science policy, the White House has ordered the immediate breakup of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, labeling the facility a source of “climate alarmism.” This directive to dismantle the 60-year-old institution jeopardizes the critical data modeling relied upon by global insurance, agriculture, and energy markets.
Targeting “Climate Alarmism”
Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), formalized the administration’s intent on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, explicitly characterizing the Boulder facility as “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country” [1][3]. The directive mandates an immediate “comprehensive review” to separate what the White House deems “vital activities,” such as weather forecasting, from climate research [1][3]. According to Vought, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will oversee the breakup, with plans to move essential weather research functions to alternative entities or locations while eliminating what the administration refers to as “green new scam research activities” [1][3].
Operational Impact and Scientific Consensus
Established in 1960, NCAR operates as a heavyweight in atmospheric science, employing approximately 830 staff members [1][4]. Its infrastructure includes two research aircraft and the Derecho supercomputing center located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which is pivotal for modeling complex phenomena like cyclones and wildfires [1][4]. For the 2025 fiscal year, the NSF provided $123 million to the center, a figure representing roughly 50% of its total operating budget [1]. The sudden potential removal of this funding and infrastructure poses significant logistical challenges for the global scientific community.
Political Fallout and Public Safety
The move has ignited a confrontation with Colorado’s Democratic leadership, specifically Governor Jared Polis, who issued a stark warning on December 16 regarding the safety implications of the decision [1]. Polis stated that “public safety is at risk and science is being attacked,” emphasizing that the center’s work extends beyond theoretical climate science to provide real-time data on severe weather events, including fires and floods, which are critical for protecting life and property [1]. He further noted that these cuts could cause the United States to lose its competitive advantage against foreign adversaries in scientific discovery [1].