The theoretical physicist, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 1963, criticized how the Trump administration is treating scientists working for the government. In January, employees of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture received orders to remove web pages and limiting how they communicated with the public.
“There was reported to be a memo that government scientists must get White House approval for any announcements,” he said.
“A similar ruling in Canada had a chilling effect on science there,” Hawking added, referring to the restrictions placed in 2006 by former conservative Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper on scientists talking to the press about their work.
“Everyday life in the United states continues much the same. I have many friends and colleagues there, and it is still a place I like and admire in many ways, but I fear that I may not be welcome.”
Asked what message he would like Piers Morgan to deliver to the president the next time they meet, Hawking said Scott Pruitt should be replaced as the administrator of the EPA, adding that climate change is one of the great dangers the world faces.