Trump On Science: Congressmen Say President Vulnerable To 'Misinformation And Fake News'

Members of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee warned President Donald Trump Thursday to stop ignoring scientific fact, a practice that makes him vulnerable to “misinformation and fake news.”

Trump, who has called climate change a “hoax” and cast doubt on the necessity of vaccinating children, piqued the ire of the lawmakers by failing adequately to fund the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy or appoint a “qualified director.”

In a letter to Trump, committee members told the president he needs a reliable source of policy advice related to science and technology matters, “which forms the bedrock of our national security and economic power,” Popular Science reported.

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"Until the OSTP is adequately staffed and the director position is filled by a qualified, objective scientist who understands the difference between alternative news peddled on alt-right websites and legitimate well-vetted scientific facts, we fear that you will continue to be vulnerable to misinformation and fake news," the congressmen wrote.

The office was created by Congress in 1976 but the role was first created informally by President John F. Kennedy at the dawn of space exploration.

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“The Trump administration has been defined by chaos and alternate facts, but it has also consistently shown total disregard for science," Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., said. "Trump himself famously called climate change a Chinese hoax, so it's not surprising that he has been repeatedly taken in by false stories that may reinforce his worldview but bear no resemblance to the truth.

“We are urging him to appoint reliable staff informed by sound science, including a director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, so that he can at least give himself better access to accurate information which we hope will lead to better policies.”

Trump’s personnel choices have highlighted his disdain for science. His choice to head the Department of Energy was former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who has no scientific background and as a presidential candidate in 2012 said if elected, he would eliminate the agency. Sam Clovis, Trump’s choice for the role of lead scientist at the Department of Agriculture, has a degree in public administration.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt dismissed half the members of the EPA’s science advisory board, saying members should understand the impact of regulations on those who are being regulated. The administration indicated it will appoint scientists more closely tied to industry. The Interior Department also is reviewing its advisory committees.

Among Trump’s executive actions was rescinding the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, an action critics say will increase air pollution.

Popular Science said science advisory boards were created because even if issues are not straightforward, scientists can reach a consensus following thorough investigation.

Here is the full letter:

“Dear President Trump:

“We are concerned about the process by which you receive information. According to a story reported by Politico on May 15, 2017, your Deputy National Security Advisor passed along printouts of two Time magazine cover stories – one, a previously identified and debunked internet hoax purporting to be from the 1970s warning of a coming ice age, and the other, from 2008, a special report on global warming, with the intention of undermining concern about climate change.

“Disseminating stories from dubious sources has been a recurring issue with your administration. You previously made the false claim that President Obama ordered your phones to be “tapped” based on false reports which have subsequently been contradicted by senior U.S. intelligence officials. You also falsely stated that millions of votes were cast against you “illegally” after reading about subsequently-debunked “research” pushed by alt-right websites. This, by no means, is a comprehensive list of your activities peddling fake news.

“Where scientific policy is concerned, the White House should make use of the latest, most broadly-supported science. You have a tool at your disposal in this regard, should you wish to make use of it, in the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) which, under your administration, has been left largely unstaffed and without a director. If you appoint a qualified OSTP Director, you will have a reliable source of policy advice for matters related to science and technology, which forms the bedrock of our national security and economic power.

“Until the OSTP is adequately staffed and the director position filled by a qualified, objective scientist who understands the difference between alternative news peddled on alt-right websites and legitimate well-vetted scientific facts, we fear that you will continue to be vulnerable to misinformation and fake news. Relying on factual technical and scientific data has helped make America the greatest nation in the world. We therefore urge you to quickly appoint a qualified, widely-respected candidate to direct OSTP. Furthermore, it’s critical that anyone you nominate represent the views of the broader scientific community, as was the case for both Presidents Bush and Obama.”