The Trump administration’s “war on science” has intensified following a Supreme Court ruling that grants Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine skepticism, the power to implement mass firings within the agency, marking a shift towards the politicization of science. This decision coincided with Kennedy’s cancellation of a critical health advisory panel meeting and the dismissal of a significant number of vaccine advisers, indicating ongoing dismantling of evidence-based policymaking in HHS.
Celine Gounder, an infectious disease expert, criticized the administration’s actions, highlighting cuts to vital research and the neglect of pressing public health issues. She described these efforts as a coordinated attack on the scientific process, which has led to increased distrust in vaccines against a backdrop of rising measles cases. Additionally, massive staff cuts and changing advisory committees have sparked major protests and legal challenges from scientists and public health experts.
The Rhode Island federal court recently ruled against Kennedy and HHS, halting drastic restructuring and layoffs, deemed unconstitutional. Despite this, Kennedy defended the layoffs as necessary for realigning the agency’s priorities. Congressional Democrats have echoed concerns about the negative impacts of these cuts on healthcare and science, warning that such ideologically driven actions could have long-lasting detrimental effects.
