Scientific American's Chief Editor Steps Down Amid Anti-Trump Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events, Laura Helmuth has resigned from her position as editor-in-chief of Scientific American following a controversial outburst on social media.
Helmuth stepped down after her posts targeting Trump supporters sparked considerable backlash, as the International Business Times reports.
On Election Night, as preliminary results hinted at a potential victory for the president-elect, Helmuth took to Bluesky to express her frustration.
Helmuth's Controversial Social Media Posts
Reflecting on her upbringing in Indiana, Helmuth's posts conveyed her shock and dismay at the election's direction. "I remember why I left Indiana ... and remember why I respect the people who stayed and are trying to make it less racist and sexist," she stated, highlighting her emotional turmoil.
Her strong words, "Solidarity to everybody whose meanest, dumbest, most bigoted high-school classmates are celebrating ... f— them to the moon and back," were particularly contentious, leading to widespread condemnation.
Immediate Backlash and Resignation
The backlash was swift and decisive, prompting Helmuth to delete her posts. She issued an apology, clarifying that her statements were a "mistaken expression of shock and confusion about the election results" and did not reflect her true beliefs.
Kimberly Lau, president of Scientific American, announced Helmuth's resignation, acknowledging her leadership and the accolades the magazine garnered during her four-year tenure.
Scientific American's Political Endorsements and Impact
This incident occurred shortly after Scientific American made a rare political endorsement. For only the second time in its nearly 180-year history, the magazine endorsed a presidential candidate, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and describing Donald Trump as a threat to public safety.
The day following the election, Helmuth attempted to address the emotional climate by sharing an article from Scientific American titled "Election Grief Is Real. Here's How to Cope," which discusses ways to handle "frozen grief" during turbulent political times.
Search for a New Editorial Leader
As the magazine navigates this challenging period, the search for Helmuth's successor is underway. The Scientific American team is likely looking for someone who can uphold the publication's esteemed legacy while steering clear of the controversies that led to Helmuth's departure.
In her apology, Helmuth reiterated her commitment to combating racism and sexism within her community, despite the poorly chosen words during a moment of significant personal dismay.
