From Mother Jones · Sara Sneath · · 50s
Trump's climate research attacks fueled by corporate influence
Corporate donors and fossil fuel firms helped Trump weaken climate research at US universities.
In brief
Corporate donors and fossil fuel firms helped Trump weaken climate research at US universities. Trump administration's 2025 funding cuts and university agreements enabled fossil fuel companies to shape climate research questions. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Trump administration cuts
Trump administration froze billions in research funding in 2025.
University funding freeze
Princeton lost $4 million in climate grants.
Research questions changed
Scientists deleted 'climate change' from grant applications.
Corporate funding surge
Fossil fuel firms gave $700 million to universities between 2010-2020.
Donor agreements
Donor agreements let outside actors control hiring and curricula.
State laws target autonomy
Arizona created first libertarian academic center in 2016.
Faculty response
Faculty need power to review gifts before accepting them.
In short
Trump administration's 2025 funding cuts and university agreements enabled fossil fuel companies to shape climate research questions.
