Government Inquiry
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Edward Martin Jr., sent letters to several scientific journals, including CHEST and the New England Journal of Medicine, questioning their editorial practices and alleging political bias.
Martin's letters demand answers regarding how journals ensure diverse viewpoints, handle reader misleading allegations, and the influence of NIH funding on published research.
Reactions and Implications
The letters have drawn criticism from First Amendment advocates and scientists, who argue they threaten academic freedom and could intimidate journals into altering their publishing practices.
Responses from journals emphasize their commitment to editorial independence, rigorous peer review, and evidence-based science, while some view the inquiries as an attempt to impose political views on scientific discourse.