Laura Helmuth served as the editor-in-chief of Scientific American until recently.
After referring to individuals who voted for President-elect Donald Trump as fascists, the editor-in-chief of Scientific American, a publication established in 1845, has resigned from her position.
Following the revelation that Trump was likely to win the recent election, Helmuth took to Bluesky to express regret to younger individuals “that my Gen X is so full of [expletive] fascists.”
She also wrote, “Solidarity to everybody whose meanest, dumbest, most bigoted high-school classmates are celebrating early results because [expletive] them to the moon and back.” Additionally, she stated, “Every four years I remember why I left Indiana (where I grew up) and remember why I respect the people who stayed and are trying to make it less racist and sexist. The moral act of the universe isn’t going to bend itself.”
Later on, Helmuth deleted the posts and acknowledged that they were “offensive and inappropriate.”
The magazine did not release an official statement regarding the remarks.
After Helmuth announced her resignation, Kimberly Lau, the president of Scientific American, conveyed her appreciation for Helmuth’s leadership over the past four years. Lau mentioned the magazine’s accomplishments during that time, including winning significant science communications awards and establishing a reimagined digital newsroom. Lau wished Helmuth well in her future endeavors.
Lau stated that the magazine has initiated a search for a new editor.
Prior to her role at Scientific American, Helmuth worked at The Washington Post, National Geographic, Slate, the Smithsonian, and Science.
During Helmuth’s tenure, Scientific American made its first-ever presidential endorsement by supporting President Joe Biden over Trump in 2020. The magazine reiterated its endorsement in 2024, backing Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump.
On Thursday, Helmuth expressed pride in the work accomplished by Scientific American during her tenure, particularly the articles in support of “gender-affirming care for transgender kids.” She emphasized the need for more “long-term thinking, investments in research, wide and welcoming collaborations, honest education, mentorship, and sponsorship.”
