Portrait of Eric Schmidt
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Eric Schmidt on Trump

Vocal critic of science policy (strong)

TL;DR

Eric Schmidt strongly criticizes Donald Trump's policies, viewing them as a damaging attack on American science and technology.

Key Points

  • He characterized the Trump administration's science policies as a "total attack on all of science in America" around April 2025.

  • Schmidt expressed concern that funding cuts imposed by the administration were leading to hiring freezes at universities.

  • He noted, prior to the 2017 transition, that the Trump administration would likely "do evil things."

Summary

Eric Schmidt, the former chief executive of Google, has voiced strong opposition to Donald Trump's approach to science and research funding, labeling it an "attack on science" in 2025. He argued that such actions, including funding cuts to universities and research agencies, were "madness" that actively undermined America's necessary technological competitiveness against nations like China. Schmidt asserted that the administration's policies were slowing down critical innovation, putting the U.S. at a disadvantage in the global technology race.

Schmidt's engagement with the Trump administration has shown a mixed pattern historically, as he was observed congratulating the President-elect shortly after the 2016 election and praising his son-in-law, while simultaneously being associated with funding for liberal resistance efforts. However, more recent commentary focuses on the current administration's effect on research, where he noted concerns about university hiring freezes and the chilling effect on international talent due to immigration uncertainties, despite believing the policies were ultimately "too stupid not to fix."

Frequently Asked Questions

Eric Schmidt's position is characterized by strong criticism of Donald Trump's policies, particularly regarding science and research funding. He views these policies as detrimental to America's future technological standing relative to global competitors.

Eric Schmidt called Donald Trump's science policies "madness" and an "attack on science." He specifically cited funding cuts to universities and research agencies as damaging America's ability to innovate and compete globally.

Yes, Eric Schmidt's public actions have shown evolution; initially, he congratulated the President-elect and praised certain associates in late 2016. More recently, his statements have been strongly critical of the administration's approach to scientific policy.