Trump Rehires Neil Jacobs, Former NOAA Chief Involved in ‘Sharpiegate’
New York TimesJAN 26
Trump Taps Former NOAA Chief Jacobs Amid Agency Reform Debate
Above: Neil Jacobs at the 2019 Hurricane Season Outlook news conference on May 23, 2019 in Arlington, Virginia. Image copyright: Win McNamee/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
NOAA requires experienced leadership to maintain its critical weather forecasting and research capabilities. Jacobs brings valuable scientific expertise and a proven track record of improving forecasting systems through extensive public-private collaboration. He's a sound choice to lead the agency.
Democratic narrative
Jacobs' previous violation of scientific integrity policies during Sharpiegate demonstrates his willingness to compromise scientific truth under political pressure. He's simply an unsuitable choice to lead an agency responsible for America's climate and weather operations.