Have politics finally come for the National Academies of Science?

Established during the tumult of the US Civil War, the National Academies of Science has long stood as a beacon of scientific authority, providing critical insights to the government on pressing scientific and technological matters. Known for attracting leading experts in various fields, the Academies have a reputation for producing comprehensive reports that often tackle contentious issues, even at the risk of offending influential stakeholders. They have managed to maintain their credibility with governmental bodies that fund their research, but recent developments suggest that the organization is now grappling with significant political challenges. A recent in-depth report by Politico highlighted the growing rift between the National Academies and certain Republican lawmakers. This tension centers around an upcoming expert report that will assess the attribution of extreme weather events to anthropogenic climate change. The potential implications of this report have raised alarms among fossil fuel companies, who fear it could lead to legal liabilities in ongoing litigation. In public forums, the National Academies has taken a cautious stance, particularly in the face of the Trump administration's overt opposition to science. The organization's president, Marcia McNutt, notably sidestepped direct confrontations during her annual addresses, opting instead to focus on the state of scientific inquiry. Despite these efforts, the Academies have found themselves increasingly in the sights of Republican critics. The roots of this conflict can be traced back to initiatives launched during previous administrations, including the development of the fourth edition of the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence. This manual serves as a resource for the Federal Judicial Center, assisting judges in navigating scientific issues that arise in court cases. As political scrutiny intensifies, the National Academies' ability to operate independently and effectively may be tested like never before.