President Donald Trump’s administration has aggressively cut federal science funding and fired key scientific leaders, including the newly confirmed CDC director, prompting concerns over science politicization. Historians liken his approach to tactics used by autocratic regimes, with reduced support for fundamental research and an emphasis on applied technological projects. This undermines America’s scientific leadership established over the past century. Additionally, Trump’s firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and legal challenges to her removal are setting precedents for federal agency independence and political interference.