Trump Administration Targets National Center for Atmospheric Research
TL/DR –
The Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), one of the main climate research labs. The White House seeks to identify and eliminate what it calls “green new scam research activities” at the center, with “vital functions” such as weather modeling and supercomputing being moved elsewhere. The move comes amid previous cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including eliminating the agency’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and ending funding for its climate, weather, and ocean laboratories and cooperative institutes.
The Trump Administration to Dismantle National Center for Atmospheric Research
The Trump administration reportedly plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. The institute, which has been a key player in climate research, is labeled as a center for “federal climate alarmism” by Trump officials. The administration is seeking to eradicate what it refers to as “green new scam research activities.”
Shift in NCAR’s Focus
The White House announced key functions such as weather modeling and supercomputing will be relocated, marking a shift back to the institute’s original focus. Closure of the NCAR’s Mesa Laboratory in Boulder will commence immediately, according to a White House official.
Staff and Funding Impact
The NCAR, managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, consists of approximately 830 employees. It is uncertain how many will be affected by the reshuffle. A large portion of the NCAR’s funding comes from the National Science Foundation (NSF), with $123 million provided in the 2025 fiscal year, according to Science magazine.
Claimed ‘Wasteful Initiatives’
The White House cited several initiatives as wasteful, including the Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Sciences, an art series exploring our relationship with water, and research into wind turbines. Despite Trump calling climate change a “hoax,” scientists emphasize that the issue is real and presents an immediate concern.
Colorado Governor’s Response
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed concern, stating “if true, public safety is at risk and science is being attacked.” He emphasized the critical role the NCAR plays in providing data on severe weather events that help prevent devastation and loss of life. Polis also expressed concern over potential loss of competitive advantage against foreign powers in scientific discovery if these cuts proceed.
Scientists’ Take on the Plan
Many scientists have expressed concern over the planned dissolution of the NCAR. They highlight the institution’s role in major advancements in weather prediction and the understanding of tropical cyclone structure. Roger Pielke Jr., a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, referred to the NCAR as a “crown jewel” of the U.S. scientific enterprise and argued that its improvement is crucial rather than its closure.
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