Story perspectives

Trump Administration Silenced CDC Amid Covid-19 Crisis

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 18, 2025, documents show U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration downplayed the Covid-19 pandemic by silencing CDC officials.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis found top officials blocked CDC briefings and altered safety guidance to fit optimistic claims.
Former CDC adviser Peter Suwondo said health leaders were overruled for political reasons.
The documents show Trump’s anger toward Dr. Nancy Messonnier for warning about the outbreak's severity.

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Story summary

On December 18, 2025, documents show U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration downplayed the Covid-19 pandemic by silencing CDC officials.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis found top officials blocked CDC briefings and altered safety guidance to fit optimistic claims.
Former CDC adviser Peter Suwondo said health leaders were overruled for political reasons.
The documents show Trump’s anger toward Dr. Nancy Messonnier for warning about the outbreak's severity.