US vets agency orders scientists not to publish in journals without clearance

The title should say "government-employed scientists", because this order has nothing to do with scientists employed by universities or by corporations. The order is concerning, but this is the trade-off when working for any government; if something you do could undermine the government's policy goals, even if you didn't violate any law, then you should expect retaliation from the government -- expect to be fired at least.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to guess what might offend government officials.

>Cashour, the assistant secretary, wrote that approval for publication in national media was delegated to his office. Local and regional directors were to inform Washington “as soon as possible” when situations exist “that have the potential for negative national exposure”.

Information not approved by politicians, will not be heard I guess.

It has long been the policy than no one at the USGS is allowed to publish anything until it has been vetted. It don't know of it ever being a problem there, but under Trump, it is deeply worrying.