Trump Administration freezes CDC, other federal health agencies' communications
ATLANTA - The Trump Administration has frozen many federal health agencies’ communications with the public until at least the end of the month.
The freeze affects the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based in Atlanta, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—entities tasked with fighting epidemics, ensuring food safety, and advancing disease research, according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press.
What we know:
The pause is in effect until Feb. 1, prohibiting these agencies from releasing new regulations, guidance, announcements, press releases, or updates on their websites and social media platforms.
This freeze also prevented the CDC from releasing its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) on Thursday—the first time the report hasn’t been published on schedule since its launch in 1960 and its predecessor's start in 1887.
The CDC had planned to release multiple MMWR reports this week, including three about the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, according to The Washington Post.
Reaction to the communication freeze
What they're saying:
A former Health and Human Services (HHS) official noted that communication pauses during presidential transitions are not unusual, but they are typically managed smoothly by inauguration day.
Another former CDC investigator said such pauses can be reasonable but warned of potential concerns if they signal an effort to control the agencies’ messaging.
Dr. Richard Besser, who served as acting CDC director in 2009, told MedPage Today, "Cutting off communications from the CDC puts our health at risk and prevents our doctors, nurses, and public health leaders from doing their jobs."
A CDC spokesperson sent the following statement to FOX 5 Atlanta:
HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health. This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The backstory:
During President Trump’s first term, his administration attempted to control the CDC’s MMWR journal after it published COVID-19 information that conflicted with White House messaging.
Possible impact on general public
Why you should care:
Consumer advocacy groups warn that this pause could jeopardize public safety.
Acting U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Dorothy Fink stated that exceptions would be made for critical health, safety, environmental, financial, or national security communications. For example, major food recalls due to threats like E. coli would still be announced.
The FDA’s recall list remains current, according to Healthline. However, if the MMWR misses too many publications, it risks losing its designation as an official publication of the National Library of Medicine.
Length of the freeze
Timeline:
The pause began on Jan. 21 and extends through Feb. 1.
Other changes at the CDC
Other News:
President Trump is expected to appoint Susan Coller Monarez, deputy director of a federal health research agency, as the acting head of the CDC. Monarez, who holds a Ph.D., is considered an unconventional choice, as acting directors are typically medical doctors from within the Atlanta-based agency.
Trump has also nominated former Congressman David Weldon to serve as CDC director. Weldon’s appointment will require Senate confirmation.