The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States has raised concerns among some chemists about the future of science funding and regulations. Trump has proposed deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other science agencies, and has expressed skepticism about the importance of climate change. These policies could have a major impact on the chemistry field, which relies heavily on federal funding and regulations.

Some chemists are worried that Trump's election will lead to a decrease in funding for basic research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are two of the largest funders of basic research in chemistry, and both agencies are facing budget cuts under Trump's proposed budget. These cuts could make it difficult for chemists to conduct research and develop new technologies.

Other chemists are concerned about the impact of Trump's policies on environmental regulations. The EPA regulates air and water pollution, as well as hazardous chemicals. Trump has proposed rolling back these regulations, which could lead to increased pollution and health problems. Chemists worry that these changes could make it more difficult for them to develop environmentally friendly products and processes.

Despite these concerns, some chemists are optimistic about the future of the field under Trump. They argue that Trump's focus on economic growth could lead to increased investment in science and technology, which could benefit the chemistry field. They also point out that Trump has appointed several chemists to key positions in his administration, including Michael J. Duff, who was named Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Overall, the impact of Trump's election on the chemistry field is still uncertain. Some chemists are optimistic, while others are worried. Only time will tell how Trump's policies will affect the future of the field.

In addition to the concerns mentioned above, some chemists are also worried about the impact of Trump's election on international collaboration. The United States has a long history of collaborating with other countries on science research, and chemists worry that Trump's policies could make it more difficult to collaborate with foreign scientists. This could slow down the pace of scientific progress and make it more difficult for chemists to address global challenges.

It is important to note that the views expressed in this article are those of the individual chemists interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Chemical Society or the entire chemistry community.