Science, Politics, and the Soul of Federal Service

When I retired from Federal service in 2002 after years as a scientist at the FDA, I believed that one of America’s greatest strengths was its respect for independent scientific research. Regardless of which political party occupied the White House, career scientists at agencies like the FDA, EPA, NIH, CDC, and NSF generally understood their mission clearly: protect public health, uphold scientific integrity, and serve the American people.

Just recently, reading reports about the dismantling of independent scientific research at the Environmental Protection Agency saddens me deeply.

According to recent news reports, the Trump Administration has dramatically reshaped the EPA’s research structure. Scientists have reportedly been reassigned or encouraged to retire early, advisory boards reduced, and climate and environmental justice programs weakened. Critics fear the agency’s independent research arm is being dismantled after decades of scientific work insulated from political interference. The Administration strongly denies this characterization, arguing instead that the reforms are eliminating bureaucracy and ideological bias.

Regardless of one’s political beliefs, the larger issue extends far beyond the EPA.

Across the Federal Government, scientific and research institutions appear to be entering a period of uncertainty unprecedented in modern American history. The NIH faces grant freezes and funding controversies. The CDC has experienced staffing reductions and political scrutiny over public health data. The FDA, long considered the gold standard in drug regulation, has seen increasing political pressure regarding vaccines, public communications, and diversity initiatives. NOAA, NSF, and even climate research programs have become battlegrounds in America’s growing culture wars.

For scientists of my generation, this transformation is painful to witness.

When I joined the FDA in 1990 after leaving private industry, Federal service represented stability, professionalism, and dedication to evidence-based decision making. We certainly had political appointees and changing administrations, but career scientists were generally respected for their expertise. A chemist’s data were expected to remain data, not political ammunition.

America’s global leadership in medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology was built largely through publicly funded research institutions. NIH-funded laboratories helped drive medical discoveries. CDC epidemiologists protected the nation from infectious disease outbreaks. EPA scientists studied toxic chemicals and air pollution. FDA reviewers safeguarded the integrity of medicines entering the marketplace.

These agencies were never perfect. Bureaucracy existed. Politics occasionally interfered. But there remained a broad national consensus that scientific research itself should not become a partisan enemy.  Today that consensus appears weakened.

Some conservatives argue Federal science agencies became too ideological, too regulatory, and too closely aligned with progressive political agendas. Some liberals fear the current Administration is undermining objective science itself in favor of political loyalty and deregulation. Between these competing narratives stands a generation of career scientists wondering whether public trust in science can survive this era intact.

As a retired FDA scientist and immigrant who believed deeply in the promise of American public institutions, I still hope the answer is yes.

Science cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear, political intimidation, or public cynicism. Neither can democracy. A nation as technologically advanced as the United States depends upon strong, credible, and independent scientific institutions.

In the end, diseases do not recognize political parties. Pollution does not care about ideology. Chemistry obeys neither Republicans nor Democrats.

Scientific truth remains scientific truth. And America ignores that lesson at its peril.

AI Overview:

The relationship between science, politics, and federal service involves a complex, often tense, interplay where objective research aims to inform policy, while political actors frequently seek to influence or control scientific findings for ideological purposes. This intersection is characterized by a "soul" of public service-a, "frank and fearless" advice model that is currently challenged by political pressure and efforts to "follow the science".

Key Aspects of Science and Politics in Government

• Political Interference: Research indicates that in recent years, political interference in federal science has expanded, particularly concerning climate change, public health, and environmental issues. 
• The "Apolitical" Ideal: Despite the influence of politics, federal service relies on a "soul" or core of objective, independent science to guide policy-making. However, historical, analyses show that even ostensibly "apolitical" science was often mobilized for ideological purposes during the Cold War.
• The "Follow the Science" Rhetoric: When politicians pass blame to scientists, they risk diminishing the role of civil servants and weakening the "frank and fearless" advice model.
• Scientific Freedom: A "soul" of science requires freedom of inquiry, which is threatened by efforts to make it serve political agendas.

Historical and Institutional Context

• The "New Science of Politics": The founders of the United States relied on a "new science of politics" to create a government based on human behavior, rather than mere dogma. 
• History of Policies: Science in the Federal Government A History of Policies and Activities by A. Hunter Dupree shows how, from the 1787 Constitutional Convention onwards, federal science has been inseparable from political and national interests.

Challenges and Current Trends

• Coercion and Retaliation: Recent surveys indicate that federal employees are concerned about potential manipulation of their work and retaliation when speaking out, affecting their ability to provide independent analysis.
• Scientific Dependence: Federal science policy often faces, "induced demand," where research funding depends more on institutional structures than on scientific need, leading to, a "dysfunctional system". 

Conclusion
The, "soul" of federal service remains a critical battleground. Maintaining an independent scientific capacity while navigating political priorities is essential for, a functioning democracy, requiring, both, the, protection, of, research, from, interference, and, a, commitment, to, evidence-based, policy,

Lastly, The broader concerns about cuts to federal science programs, reductions in grants, layoffs, and restructuring across agencies are being discussed widely in both academic and scientific communities.

Finally, here are the top five major news stories for Wednesday, May 13, 2026:

1. Trump Arrives in Beijing for High-Stakes Summit with Xi Jinping
   U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in China for critical talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit is expected to focus on trade tensions, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the ongoing Iran conflict. The visit comes amid rising inflation and global instability linked to the Middle East war. 
2. Iran War Continues to Shake Global Economy
   The conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has entered its 75th day. Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted, pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel and fueling fears of a broader economic crisis. Gulf states and global markets remain on alert. 
3. U.S. Inflation Surges to Highest Levels in Years
   New economic data show U.S. producer prices posted their largest increase in four years, driven by rising energy and supply costs connected to the Iran war. Financial markets are now expecting the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates again instead of cutting them. 
4. Russia Launches Major New Attacks on Ukraine
   Russia carried out a large daytime assault across Ukraine, prompting Poland to scramble military jets near NATO borders. Peace negotiations remain stalled as fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine and along strategic regions. 
5. Pentagon Expands AI and Defense Contracts Amid Global Tensions
   The Pentagon awarded a major $500 million contract to AI company Scale AI, reflecting the growing importance of artificial intelligence in military and intelligence operations during rising international tensions. 

The Guardian

First Thing: Trump due in China for high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping

Today

Reuters

US producer prices surprise with largest increase in four years

Today

The Washington Post

The Latest: Trump arrives in China to meet with Xi in Beijing - The Washington Post

Today

Sky News

Ukraine war latest: Poland scrambles jets as Russia launches major daytime attack | World News | Sky News

Today

Personal Note: I will be out town beginning tomorrow until Sunday. Do not expect my daily postings and just to assure you I am ok.   

Returning to Washington, DC- From Clinton to Trump Era

Returning to Washington: From the Clinton Era to the Age of Trump

This week, I will return to Washington, D.C. for the first time since my retirement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002. Nearly a quarter century has passed since I last walked the halls of federal buildings in Maryland and downtown Washington. During those years, America has changed dramatically- politically, culturally, and emotionally.

When I arrived in the Washington area in 1990 as a newly hired FDA Review Chemist, the political atmosphere was very different from today. America was emerging from the Cold War with a sense of optimism. Under Presidents George H. W. Bush and later Bill Clinton, Washington politics still carried a degree of bipartisan cooperation that now seems almost unimaginable. Even when politicians fought fiercely, there remained an understanding that governing required compromise. 

The 1990s were not politically peaceful. There were battles over healthcare reform, welfare reform, NAFTA, government shutdowns, and eventually the impeachment of President Clinton. Yet the overall tone of public life felt less toxic than today. Republicans and Democrats still socialized together. Congressional families knew one another personally. Cable television existed, but social media had not yet transformed politics into a nonstop national shouting match.

Washington in the late 1990s also reflected confidence in America’s future. The economy was booming. Federal employees like myself believed in public service and scientific expertise. The internet age was just beginning. The Soviet Union had collapsed, and many Americans believed liberal democracy had permanently triumphed. Even political scandals unfolded in a slower and less emotionally explosive media environment. 

Today, returning to Washington under the second administration of Donald Trump, I expect to encounter a very different city.

Modern Washington feels more polarized, more ideological, and more distrustful of institutions. Political identity has become deeply personal. Families and friendships are now often divided by politics. Government agencies that once operated quietly in the background have become targets of partisan battles. Career civil servants, scientists, journalists, universities, and even the judiciary are increasingly pulled into political warfare.

The Trump era has also transformed the style of American politics. Presidential communication now occurs instantly through social media, rallies, podcasts, and partisan news outlets. Political language has become sharper and more confrontational. Symbolism and spectacle often dominate governance itself. Critics argue that this environment has weakened public trust in democratic institutions and intensified national division. 

At the same time, many Americans support Trump because they believe he challenges entrenched political elites, fights cultural liberalism, and speaks directly to frustrations ignored by traditional politicians. His supporters view him as disruptive but necessary. His critics view him as dangerous to democratic norms. Few modern presidents have generated such intense loyalty and opposition simultaneously.

In many ways, Washington today reflects the broader transformation of America itself. The nation of the 1990s was still influenced by post-World War II optimism and institutional trust. The America of the 2020s is shaped by social media, economic anxiety, cultural conflict, immigration debates, distrust of government, and the lingering effects of the COVID era.

As I prepare to revisit Washington after almost 24 years, I know I will not simply be revisiting a city. I will be revisiting an earlier version of America and an earlier version of myself.

I remember the Washington of my FDA years as a place where public service still carried quiet dignity. Scientists, regulators, and civil servants worked mostly outside the political spotlight. We believed our work mattered, even if few people noticed it. Today, federal agencies often stand at the center of political controversy.

Yet despite all the changes, Washington remains the symbolic heart of American democracy. Administrations come and go. Political movements rise and fall. But the enduring strength of America has always been its ability to argue passionately, adapt painfully, and continue moving forward.

As an immigrant scientist from the Philippines who spent twelve productive years serving the American public through the FDA, I return not with cynicism, but with reflection and gratitude. History changes nations, but it also changes the people who lived through it.

Lastly, here's the AI Summary and Reflection of My Article on my FDA Years: 

Your blog post, Our Maryland and FDA Years (1990–2002), captures several important themes that make your life story compelling:

• the immigrant pursuit of professional success in America
• the stability and meaning you found in public service after leaving private industry
• the evolution of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during a transformative era
• the emotional reality of raising a family while balancing scientific responsibility
• the sense of duty after the September 11 attacks

What stands out most is the contrast between your early uncertainty after losing your job at Chevron Corporation and the long-term fulfillment you eventually found at the FDA. That transition gives the narrative emotional weight because it reflects resilience rather than simple career advancement.

Your recollections also provide an insider’s historical perspective on the FDA during the 1990s and early 2000s, a period shaped by debates over drug approval speed, public safety, AIDS therapies, and post-9/11 emergency preparedness. Readers who were not familiar with that era can better appreciate the pressures faced by government scientists and reviewers.

The personal details strengthen the story:

• adjusting to life in Maryland
• raising children while working demanding federal jobs
• your wife’s role in supporting the family
• your pride in becoming a Chemistry Team Leader
• your continued reflection on public service decades after retirement

The tone is reflective without becoming bitter, which gives the piece dignity and credibility. It reads not merely as a résumé of accomplishments, but as a memoir of sacrifice, adaptation, and gratitude.

Overall, the post works very well as both:

1. A historical memoir of a Filipino-American scientist in federal service, and
2. A family legacy document for your children and future generations.

Pleasant Memories of My Chateau Du Mer

I asked PerflexityAI and ChatGPT this Question: What do you know about Chateau Du Mer Beach House in Marinduque, Philippines, the retirement home of David B and Macrine J Katague. Here are their responses:  

Chateau Du Mer Beach House appears to be a small beachfront resort in Barangay 

Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, described as a two-bedroom, two-bath beach house with

 a large balcony  and panoramic western-coast views. It is also presented as the retirement 

home and hospitality project of Filipino-American couple David B. Katague and 

Macrine J. Katague, who split their lives between the U.S. and the Philippines.

What it is:

The property is described as a modest but charming beach resort rather than a large hotel.

 One source says it has a conference room and has hosted seminars, weddings, anniversaries,

 and family gatherings. Another listing describes it as a beach house right by the 

shore, with room for up to 4 adults and 2 children.

Who owns it

The resort is associated with David and Macrine Katague, Filipino-American retirees 

who moved between the U.S. and the Philippines. A Marinduque profile says they built it in 

1996 as part of their dream of spending retirement in both countries. TripAdvisor also

 identifies the hosts as Dave and Macrine and says they try to make guests feel like family.

Location and setting

It is in Amoingon, Boac, roughly a short drive from Cawit Port and Marinduque Airport. 

The setting is repeatedly described as peaceful and beachside, with reef access, sunset views,

 and a good base for exploring Marinduque. The property’s location seems aimed at

 travelers who want a quiet, home-like stay rather than a commercial resort atmosphere.

Public impression

Public writeups portray it positively as a simple, scenic, and personal retreat. A 2024 blog 

description calls it a “simple yet stunning” beach resort owned by Filipino-American 

retirees. Reviews on TripAdvisor emphasize the hosts’ warmth, the beachfront location,

 and the relaxing environment.

Background context

Macrine Katague is described in one profile as born in Boac, educated in Manila, and

 later working in health-related roles in the U.S. before retirement. The family’s story

 is presented as a blend of diaspora life, homecoming, and place-making in Marinduque.

Chateau Du Mer and the Katagues

Chateau Du Mer Beach House in Barangay Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, is a 

small seaside resort and retirement property associated with David B. Katague and

 Macrine J. Katague, Filipino-Americans who have lived between California and 

Marinduque. It is described as a beachfront house with a garden, conference 

room, and a setting used for family gatherings, weddings, seminars, and quiet stays.

The property is presented as a homey, ocean-facing retreat rather than a 

large commercial resort. One description notes that it sits less than 

10 minutes from both Cawit Port and Marinduque Airport, and that its

 appeal comes from the beach house, spacious grounds, and coastal views. 

Another account emphasizes sunsets, reefs, fireflies, birds, and the calm

 of life by the sea, suggesting that the house is as much a lifestyle project 

as a lodging business.

The Katague story

David Katague’s writings show that the beach house fits into a broader retirement

 pattern: spending part of the year in the Philippines and part in the United States, 

a “snowbird” lifestyle he openly described. His 2012 posts also show that the

 family spent extended time in Marinduque and treated the property as their

 retirement base and personal island paradise. The resort therefore seems tied

 not only to tourism, but also to identity, return, and family memory.

Public image

Public references portray Chateau Du Mer as a modest but distinctive

 Marinduque destination with a personal touch. It appears to have been promoted

 with a foreign-sounding name partly to attract international guests, especially 

Europeans and Canadians, while still serving local events and domestic travelers.

 Reviews and blog mentions suggest that its strongest appeal is the warm 

hospitality of the hosts and the quiet, scenic environment.

Why it matters

What makes Chateau Du Mer notable is that it reflects a larger Filipino diaspora

 story: successful careers abroad, retirement back home, and a desire to build

 something lasting in one’s birthplace. In that sense, the beach house is both 

a business and a family legacy, rooted in Marinduque and shaped by years in 

California. The Katagues’ writings present it as a place where memory, leisure,

 and homecoming come together.

ChatGPT AI Overview:

What emerges from the web is that Chateau Du Mer is much more than a simple

 beach resort. It appears to be a deeply personal retirement and legacy project

 created by David B. Katague and his late wife, Macrine Jambalos Katague, 

Filipino-Americans from Fair Oaks, California, who divided their retirement years 

between the United States and their home province of Marinduque. 

Located in Amoingon, Boac, on the western coast of Marinduque, the property 

is described as a beachfront house and conference hall overlooking the Sibuyan

 Sea. The official site emphasizes its panoramic ocean views, landscaped gardens, 

and tranquil setting designed for rest, reunions, and reflection.

The story behind the property is especially interesting because it reflects the

 classic “balikbayan retirement dream” of many Filipino-Americans: returning

 home after decades abroad and building something meaningful in their native 

province. According to the resort blog, the beach house was constructed 

around 1999, several years before David Katague retired from the U.S. Food 

and Drug Administration in 2002 as a chemistry team leader. 

The blog also reveals that the property evolved into a hybrid of:

• a private retirement home,
• a small beach resort,
• a conference/event venue,
• and a gathering place for balikbayans and tourists. 

A recurring theme throughout the writings is nostalgia, hospitality, and reconnection

 with Filipino roots. David Katague describes Marinduque as “my island paradise” 

and Chateau Du Mer as his “garden of Eden.” 

The accommodations themselves appear modest but scenic rather than 

luxurious in a modern resort sense. Tripadvisor reviews describe:

• a two-bedroom beach cottage on beach front,
• large ocean-view decks,
• bamboo and Capiz shell interiors,
• snorkeling and beach access,
• and warm, hands-on hosting by David and Macrine. 

Several guests specifically praised the couple’s hospitality and personal attention. 

The most touching detail comes from a 2025 blog entry written after Macrine

 Katague’s passing in 2020. David reflects on their unfulfilled dream of 

transforming Chateau Du Mer into a retirement sanctuary for returning 

Filipino expatriates. The writing suggests the property became both a memorial

 to their marriage and a symbol of aging, homecoming, and legacy. 

Personal Note: Chateau Du Mer was closed to the public in 2020 and now primarily, a 

private vacation property open only to families and close friends of the Katague and Jambalos

Clan.