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Senate Confirms Scientist Linked to ‘Sharpiegate’ as Top NOAA Official- NOAA official confirmed

Washington: The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Dr. Neil Jacobs as the new head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), placing an experienced atmospheric scientist in charge of the nation’s leading weather and climate agency.

NOAA official confirmed. Jacobs, who previously served as NOAA’s assistant secretary for environmental observation, brings years of expertise in weather modeling and forecasting. His confirmation marks a new chapter for NOAA, an agency responsible for weather prediction, oceanic research, and maintaining long-term climate data — topics that often drew political attention during the Trump administration.

However, his appointment has reignited discussion about the 2019 “Sharpiegate” controversy, in which then-President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Hurricane Dorian could hit Alabama. When the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Birmingham clarified that Alabama was not at risk, Trump displayed a forecast map altered with a black Sharpie to support his statement.

The incident led to political pressure on NOAA officials, who later reprimanded the local forecasters. Jacobs, serving in a senior NOAA role at the time, faced criticism for his response. A subsequent National Academy of Public Administration review concluded that he had violated NOAA’s ethics policies during the episode.

At his Senate confirmation hearing in July, Jacobs addressed the controversy, stating that he “would not handle the situation the same way” if it were to occur today.

Supporters emphasize Jacobs’ technical expertise and leadership skills, arguing that he is well-suited to modernize NOAA’s systems and enhance public trust in scientific data. His leadership will play a crucial role in advancing climate monitoring, forecasting accuracy, and disaster preparedness amid growing challenges linked to global climate change.

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