WASHINGTON, January 18, 2026 – While a strong majority of Americans believe U.S. leadership in scientific achievement is very significant, a stark partisan divide has emerged: twice as many Democrats (65%) as Republicans (32%) believe the nation is currently losing ground in scientific innovation.
Political Fault Lines in Science Trust
A new Pew research Center study reveals diverging views on science, investment, and who drives progress.
- A significant gap exists between Democrats and Republicans regarding the U.S.’s standing in scientific innovation.
- Democrats are more likely to prioritize government investment in research, while Republicans favor private sector funding.
- Educational attainment strongly correlates with trust in scientists.
- the politicization of science, accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to shape public opinion.
The Pew Research Center polled 5,111 U.S. adults in late October 2025 to explore these perceptions, uncovering deep-seated political chasms that influence views on health policy and research funding.
Education and Confidence in Science
Beyond party affiliation, education level plays a crucial role in bolstering trust in science. the more education an individual has, the more likely thay are to express confidence in scientists acting in the public’s best interest. 37% of college graduates report “a great deal” of confidence in scientists, compared to 23% of those with some college or less.
This trend is further amplified by political affiliation: nearly all college-graduated Democrats express confidence in scientists, while 70% of college-graduated Republicans share that sentiment. As the Pew report notes, “Education is closely related to how americans view the affect of science on society.”
What factors influence Americans’ trust in science? The Pew Research Center study highlights the significant roles of political ideology and educational attainment in shaping public perceptions of scientific progress and leadership.
The politicization of science, which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic with challenges to established public health measures like vaccination, continues to resonate. The current landscape reflects this trend, with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. challenging conventional wisdom on topics ranging from diet to vaccine schedules. Meanwhile, stakeholders continue to advocate for evidence-based practices in areas like pediatric vaccination, nutrition, and healthcare for transgender individuals.
A potential outcome of reduced public funding for research institutions and universities is a “brain drain,” with scientists and clinicians seeking opportunities in countries like Ireland, the UK, and France. This outflow also extends to clinicians relocating to states with more supportive policies regarding women’s health and Medicaid expansion.
The implications of this Pew research are far-reaching, impacting all stakeholders in the U.S. health ecosystem. As investment in artificial intelligence surges, it remains crucial to address this underlying trend-the erosion of trust in science-to ensure health engagement, access, and equity for all Americans.
