Executive Order 14303—Restoring Gold Standard Science

Executive Order 14303, titled "Restoring Gold Standard Science," is an action by President Donald J. Trump that directs federal executive departments and agencies. Its purpose is to ensure that federally funded research is transparent, rigorous, and impactful, and that federal decisions are informed by the most credible, reliable, and impartial scientific evidence available. Specifically, the order requires agencies to practice data transparency, acknowledge relevant scientific uncertainties, be clear about the assumptions and likelihood of scenarios used, approach scientific findings objectively, and communicate scientific data accurately. This order affects how federal agencies conduct and use science, as well as the federally funded research they support.

The President states that scientific integrity in the production and use of science by the Federal Government is critical to maintaining the trust of the American people and ensuring confidence in government decisions informed by science. The order aims to restore the American people's faith in the scientific enterprise and institutions that create and apply scientific knowledge. The administration believes that agency use of "Gold Standard Science" will spur innovation, translate discovery to success, and ensure continued American strength and global leadership.

Executive orders are a long-established exercise of presidential power, used by every President since George Washington, and are grounded in Article II of the Constitution. However, they cannot create new law, contradict existing federal statutes, or exceed the President's constitutional authority. Courts can and do review executive orders for conformity with the Constitution and federal law.

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