The editor-in-chief of Scientific American, America’s oldest magazine, announced her resignation after a series of online posts in which she called out some Donald Trump “fascist” and “bigot” supporters.
In an article on Bluesky on Thursday, Laura Helmuth, who was originally named editor-in-chief of the magazine in 2020, said: “I have decided to leave Scientific American after 4.5 exciting years as editor-in-chief. I’ll take the time to think about what’s next (and watch the birds).
Helmuth’s resignation comes after a series of expletive-filled posts on Nov. 5 — election night — in which she criticized those who voted for Trump.
In his since-deleted posts on Bluesky, Helmuth wrote: “Every four years I remember why I left Indiana (where I grew up) and I remember why I respect the people who stayed and I I’m trying to make the situation less racist and sexist. The moral arc of the universe is not going to bend.
She added: “Solidarity with everyone whose nastiest, stupidest and most fanatical high school classmates are celebrating the first results because we fuck them to the moon and back. »
“I apologize to young voters because my Generation X is so full of fucking fascists,” Helmuth continued.
Following his posts, Helmuth issued a public apology, writing on Bluesky: “I posted a series of offensive and inappropriate messages on my personal Bluesky account on election night, and I am sorry for that. I respect and value people across the political spectrum.
“These messages, which I have deleted, do not reflect my beliefs; it was a misguided expression of shock and confusion regarding the election results. These messages of course do not reflect the position of Scientific American or my colleagues. I am committed to civil communication and editorial objectivity,” she added.
Despite his apology, Helmuth’s messages gained traction among conservative voters online, along with staunch Trump ally and X owner Elon Musk. accusing she is a political activist who took over a scientific institution.
A week after his apology, Helmuth announced his resignation. In a statement to multiple points of saleKimberly Lau, president of the magazine, said: “We thank Laura for her four years at the helm of Scientific American, during which time the magazine won major science communications awards and saw the creation of a newsroom digital reinvented. »
During Helmuth’s time as editor-in-chief and for the first time in 175 years, Scientific American decided to approve a presidential candidate – Joe Biden – in 2020. This year, the magazine supported Kamala Harris, adage that Trump “endangers public health and safety and rejects evidence, preferring instead absurd conspiracy fantasies.”