• President Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to lead NOAA once more, following prior controversy.
• Jacobs was involved in the infamous "Sharpiegate" incident regarding Hurricane Dorian's predicted path.
• He has significant scientific credentials but faces criticism regarding the integrity of his past NOAA leadership.
• Jacobs' nomination comes amidst proposals to overhaul NOAA under Project 2025.

President Donald Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to once again lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), following his controversial tenure during the previous administration. Jacobs, who served as acting head of NOAA from 2019 to early 2021, gained notoriety for his involvement in what has been dubbed the “Sharpiegate” incident. This controversy arose when Trump publicly displayed a forecast map of Hurricane Dorian that had been altered to suggest Alabama was at risk, despite meteorologists stating otherwise. The fallout led to NOAA backing Trump's assertions, a move that was later criticized by an inspector general’s report as a breach of the agency's scientific integrity policy. Jacobs faced scrutiny for siding with Trump against the National Weather Service, which had accurately indicated that Dorian would not impact Alabama.

Despite the backlash from the "Sharpiegate" saga, Jacobs is regarded as a capable scientist and currently serves as the chief science advisor for the Unified Forecast System. His background includes work at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, where he focuses on enhancing forecasting models by integrating various computer systems for weather and climate forecasting. In his role at NOAA, Jacobs aims to advance collaboration across public and private sectors to improve the reliability of meteorological services.

The nomination comes amid pressure from conservative factions that view NOAA as a supporter of "climate change alarmism," reflecting sentiments expressed in Project 2025, a blueprint for a second Trump administration that proposes significant restructuring of federal agencies, including a possible dismantling of NOAA due to its advocacy on climate issues. Jacob's past as acting head of NOAA suggests he may face challenges, as he must navigate political currents while maintaining the scientific integrity of the agency.

In 2019, Trump’s claim that "Alabama will most likely be hit (much) harder than anticipated" contradicted forecasts from NOAA, leading to confusion and concern among the public. After an inspector general's report criticized NOAA’s response to the incident, Jacobs reportedly expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the agency’s statement that supported the president's claims.

The climate science community remains divided over Jacobs' potential return to leadership. Some senior weather professionals view him as a preferable choice compared to rumored alternatives, acknowledging his expertise in atmospheric science. "The Neil Jacobs appointment is a strong pick," said Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor, highlighting Jacobs' contributions to weather forecasting.

Jacobs, whose academic background includes degrees in mathematics and physics, as well as his Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences, has expressed a commitment to uphold NOAA's scientific mission during his past tenure and again as he prepares for the nomination process. If confirmed, his ability to balance political pressures with scientific integrity at NOAA will be critical, especially in light of the discussions surrounding climate-related policies and federal funding.

For further reading on this developing story, visit The New York Times, AP News, and ABC News.