Story perspectives

CDC Trust Eroded as Political Appointees Take Control

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former senior medical adviser Wang says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s public communications are being taken over by political appointees, undermining trust.
Since February 2025, after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became HHS Secretary, 2,400 CDC staff left.
Critics say the CDC's scientists are sidelined and public communications are controlled by inexperienced appointees.
An early directive restricted scientists from engaging with partners, fueling fears about the CDC's direction.

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Story summary

Former senior medical adviser Wang says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s public communications are being taken over by political appointees, undermining trust.
Since February 2025, after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became HHS Secretary, 2,400 CDC staff left.
Critics say the CDC's scientists are sidelined and public communications are controlled by inexperienced appointees.
An early directive restricted scientists from engaging with partners, fueling fears about the CDC's direction.