More than 500 Employees Sign Letter Urging National Geographic to Oppose Trump Administration Attacks on Science
Signers Include Jane Goodall, famed primatologist
More than 500 current and former employees of the National Geographic Society and its affiliates sent a letter today to the Board of Trustees of the esteemed 137-year-old institution, strongly urging opposition to the Trump administration in the name of science.
Among the signers is Jane Goodall, the famous 91-year-old primatologist and environmental activist who has been closely associated with National Geographic for 6 decades. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
The letter reads in part, “The current administration is dismantling U.S. science-based agencies, defunding them, vilifying and firing their workers by the thousands, and clawing back billions in congressionally approved funds for vital research programs. We former and current employees and contractors of the National Geographic Society and National Geographic Partners, who have signed this letter and collectively represent over 6,800 years of experience, urge you now—without delay—to do everything in your power to push back against these unprecedented attacks.”
The signatories, many of whom have done the scientific and educational work of National Geographic for decades, are asking the Board of Directors to mount a public campaign to celebrate science, and to marshal their media power to oppose to the unprecedented funding cuts that are devastating the worldwide scientific community. A previous letter was sent in March, but the number of signers has now grown impressively. Today’s letter was timed to arrive on Earth Day.
The National Geographic Society has long been a beloved American institution and a champion of science and exploration. Founded January 13, 1888, in Washington DC, by 33 prominent explorers and scientists, the renowned institution’s mission reads: “Using the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.”
The full text of the letter is available at https://www.ngalumni.com/.
