Eric Schmidt Warns of America’s “Attack on Science” Amid Global Tech Race with China

In an era where technological innovation is paramount to national security and economic power, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has delivered a stark warning about the Trump administration’s approach to science and research funding. Speaking at the AI+Biotechnology Summit, Schmidt called out what he perceives as a deliberate undermining of America’s scientific institutions—an “attack on all of science” that threatens to cripple the country’s competitive edge, especially against China’s massive investment in emerging technologies.

Since President Trump took office, the administration has implemented significant cuts to government research budgets, scaled down staffing at vital scientific agencies, and imposed financial pressures on universities, particularly targeting their diversity initiatives and campus activism. These measures have triggered hiring freezes at many universities, which now fear losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding. A notable example includes the recent freeze of \$2 billion in federal funding to Harvard University, triggered by a dispute over the school’s admissions policies.

Schmidt, a Princeton alumnus and tech industry heavyweight, condemned these moves as not only misguided but dangerous at a moment when global technology races intensify. He emphasized that China is investing trillions into AI, biotechnology, and other cutting-edge fields, while the U.S. government’s inconsistent funding and political interference could derail future innovation. He also highlighted the chilling effect on international talent, many of whom are reconsidering the U.S. as a destination for education and work amid immigration uncertainties.

This criticism marks a notable split in the tech community’s relationship with the administration. While figures like Mark Zuckerberg of Meta and OpenAI’s Sam Altman have maintained cordial ties with the White House, Schmidt’s blunt remarks underscore rising frustration and alarm about the consequences of science policy decisions under Trump’s leadership.

What Undercode Say:

Eric Schmidt’s critique captures a critical moment where the fate of American scientific leadership hangs in the balance. Cutting funding for universities and research agencies during a period of intense global technological competition risks eroding the very foundations that have made the U.S. a leader in innovation. The government’s approach, mixing budget cuts with ideological pressure on campuses, is shortsighted and counterproductive. Universities are hubs for discovery and talent cultivation; when they face funding instability and political interference, it jeopardizes not only ongoing research but the future workforce needed for advanced fields like AI and biotech.

China’s massive, state-backed investments highlight the stakes. The Asian powerhouse’s trillion-dollar commitment to technology is not just an economic strategy—it’s a national security imperative designed to eclipse U.S. dominance in critical sectors. America’s response must be to bolster, not undermine, its scientific institutions and maintain an open, welcoming environment for the global pool of talent. Immigration policy, for example, plays a pivotal role in retaining top researchers and entrepreneurs.

Schmidt’s warning also points to a deeper cultural conflict over the role of science and education in society. The politicization of funding based on issues like campus protests or diversity programs risks alienating researchers and students alike. Such moves can foster an environment where academic freedom is compromised and innovation is stifled by bureaucratic oversight and ideological battles.

Moreover, the long-term economic consequences of weakening America’s research ecosystem are profound. Innovation drives new industries, high-paying jobs, and economic growth. Falling behind in AI and biotechnology, where breakthroughs can transform healthcare, defense, and countless industries, would have ripple effects across the economy. It’s a race where delay means loss, and Schmidt’s message is a call to action for policymakers to rethink their approach before the damage becomes irreversible.

Fact Checker Results:

✅ Eric Schmidt’s claim about the Trump administration cutting research funding is supported by multiple government budget reports showing reductions in science agency budgets.
✅ The freeze of \$2 billion in federal funding to Harvard University following admissions disputes is a verified event covered widely by reputable news outlets.
❌ While immigration uncertainties have increased, attributing a broad “avoidance” by international talent solely to Trump policies oversimplifies a complex issue with multiple factors.

📊 Prediction:

If the current trajectory of federal research funding cuts and political interference continues, the U.S. risks falling significantly behind China and other global competitors in critical technologies like AI and biotechnology. This gap could widen over the next decade, eroding America’s ability to lead innovation and maintain its technological edge. Conversely, if bipartisan efforts emerge to restore stable funding and support international talent, the U.S. could regain momentum and sustain its position as a global science powerhouse. The coming years will likely see increased pressure from the tech community and academia to influence policy changes, making science and technology a key battleground in U.S. domestic politics.