Federal Data Are Disappearing as Statistical Agencies Face Budget Cuts and Political Pressure
This report warns that federal data collection is being undermined by budget cuts, political interference, and leadership changes that threaten the reliability of core economic and social statistics.
The authors describe how recent actions by the Trump Administration—such as defunding the USDA’s annual food security survey, limiting data collection on climate and LGBTQ+ issues, and firing senior statistical officials—have weakened public access to critical data.
They outline additional risks, including proposed cuts to the Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation, efforts to make major surveys voluntary, and the dismantling of advisory committees that safeguard statistical integrity. The report concludes that without adequate funding and independence, the federal statistical system will struggle to produce accurate, trusted data essential for policymaking, public accountability, and democracy
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