Declining Trust in Federal Health Institutions: Insights from Recent Survey

A recent survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania reveals a significant decline in public trust towards federal health institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The survey, conducted from February 3 to 17, 2026, with 2,498 participants, indicated that trust in these agencies has decreased by 5 to 7 percentage points over the past year, dropping from approximately 75 percent to 67 percent during the final year of the Biden administration.

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The survey results highlight a stark contrast in public confidence between federal health officials and independent medical organizations. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received a confidence rating of only 38 percent, while Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz garnered 42 percent. In comparison, former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci achieved a higher net confidence rating of 54 percent. Ken Winneg, managing director of survey research at APPC, noted that the public is distinguishing between the trustworthiness of career scientists and the political leaders of these agencies.

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The survey also revealed that independent medical organizations are viewed more favorably than federal health authorities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) received a trust rating of 77 percent for providing reliable public health information, while the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association scored 82 percent and 73 percent, respectively. Notably, 42 percent of respondents expressed trust in AAP recommendations regarding hepatitis B immunization, compared to only 11 percent for the CDC.

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The findings suggest a growing skepticism towards federal health guidance, particularly under Kennedy's leadership, which aimed to restore public trust in health institutions. The AAP's decision to publish its own childhood immunization schedule, diverging from CDC recommendations, underscores the shifting landscape of public health communication.

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The Hill has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for comments regarding these survey results, but no response has been reported at this time.

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While the survey indicates a clear trend of declining trust in federal health institutions, it does not provide insights into the reasons behind this shift or the potential long-term consequences for public health policy. Further investigation may be necessary to understand the implications of these findings on vaccination rates and public health initiatives.

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• “The public is differentiating the trustworthiness of career scientists in the CDC, NIH, and FDA from that of the leaders of those agencies,” — Ken Winneg, Managing Director, APPC

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