Fact-check analysisVerified as of July 19, 2025Curated by FactVerify
True

The Trump administration just announced it will eliminate the EPA’s Office of Research and Development and begin firing hundreds of government scientists.

The Trump administration announced plans to eliminate the EPA’s Office of Research and Development and begin laying off over 1,000 government scientists.

FactVerify

FactVerify

Source: factverify.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 19, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The claim consists of two main components: first, that the Trump administration announced it would eliminate the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD), and second, that it would begin firing hundreds of government scientists. Multiple credible news sources confirm that the EPA has indeed announced plans to dissolve its scientific research arm, the ORD, which is responsible for much of the agency's scientific work.

Reports indicate that this move involves laying off approximately 1,000 to 1,155 scientists including chemists, biologists, and toxicologists. These layoffs represent a significant reduction in EPA’s scientific workforce and have been framed by the administration as part of a broader effort to reduce government size and increase efficiency. Critics argue this undermines the EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment.

The evidence from multiple independent and reputable news organizations consistently supports both parts of the claim, with no credible sources disputing the announcement or scale of layoffs. Therefore, the claim is accurate in all material respects.

Primary trail

Verified Sources5

E.P.A. Says It Will Eliminate Its Scientific Research Arm

nytimes.com
Open source

EPA eliminates research and development office, begins layoffs

houstonchronicle.com
Open source

Trump administration may fire more than 1,000 EPA scientists and scrap research...

theguardian.com
Open source
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