Laura Helmut poses for a portrait in Could, 2017.
Matt McClain/The Washington Publish/Getty Photographs
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Matt McClain/The Washington Publish/Getty Photographs
Laura Helmuth, the chief editor of Scientific American journal, introduced her resignation on Friday after feedback she made disparaging supporters of President-elect Donald Trump gained consideration in conservative circles.
In a submit on the social media platform Bluesky, Helmuth wrote, “I’ve decided to leave Scientific American after an exciting 4.5 years as editor in chief. She added, “I will take a while to consider what comes subsequent (and go birdwatching).”
In subsequent messages on Bluesky, which were later deleted, Helmuth referred to some of Trump’s supporters as “the meanest, dumbest, most bigoted” individuals celebrating his election night victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
She additionally expressed remorse to youthful voters, stating that her era is “so full of f****** fascists.”
Helmuth later apologized for her remarks, writing: “These posts, which I have deleted, do not reflect my beliefs; they were a mistaken expression of shock and confusion about the election results.”
Helmuth’s feedback and resignation come within the wake of a extremely contentious election season, throughout which media organizations and their reporters struggled with the way to tackle Trump and his allies regarding conspiracy theories, their plans to consolidate energy to the White Home, and threats to their perceived enemies.
For less than the second time in its practically 180 years, Scientific American endorsed Kamala Harris, describing Trump as a risk to public security who “rejects evidence, preferring instead nonsensical conspiracy fantasies.”
In an emailed assertion to NPR, Kimberly Lau, president of Scientific American, confirmed Helmuth’s resignation, stating, “Laura Helmuth has decided to move on from her position as editor in chief. We thank Laura for her four years leading Scientific American, during which time the magazine won major science communication awards and established a reimagined digital newsroom. We wish her well in the future.”
Conservatives on X, the social media platform the place Helmuth’s feedback gained traction, celebrated her departure because the downfall of one other “woke” crusader.
