Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle National Center for Atmospheric Research
12/17/2025, 12:08:55 PM
Overview of the Dismantling Plan
The Trump administration has initiated plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a prominent climate research institution located in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1960 by the National Science Foundation, NCAR has been a key player in atmospheric research and meteorology. The administration's decision is framed as a response to what officials describe as "federal climate alarmism" associated with the center.
Official Statements & Responses
Russ Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, stated, “The National Science Foundation will be breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research. This facility is one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.” The White House plans to eliminate what it terms "green new scam research activities" during a comprehensive review of the center, with essential functions such as weather modeling and supercomputing to be relocated. The restructuring is presented as a return to NCAR's original focus.
Background & Context
The NCAR has been a significant entity in climate research, employing approximately 830 staff members who are part of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), a nonprofit consortium of over 130 universities. The center's budget is heavily reliant on federal funding, with the National Science Foundation providing $123 million in the 2025 fiscal year, accounting for about half of its total budget. The dismantling of NCAR follows previous cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service, which have faced significant budget reductions under the Trump administration.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the administration's actions argue that dismantling the NCAR could severely undermine climate research and hinder coordinated international efforts to combat climate change. The move has been met with concern from the scientific community, which warns that reducing funding and resources for climate research could have dire implications for understanding and addressing climate-related issues. Additionally, the administration's characterization of NCAR's initiatives as "woke" has drawn ire, particularly regarding programs aimed at inclusivity and environmental justice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the White House has outlined its plans to dismantle NCAR, specific details regarding the number of jobs and programs affected remain unclear. The impact on ongoing research projects and collaborations is also not fully detailed, raising questions about the future of climate research in the U.S.
What's Next
The dismantling process is set to begin immediately, with plans to close the center's Mesa Laboratory. As the administration continues to push for cuts in climate-related funding, the broader implications for U.S. climate policy and research capabilities remain uncertain. The scientific community and environmental advocates are likely to respond with calls for accountability and preservation of critical research institutions.
