The article discusses the alarming rise of disinformation in the US, particularly during the Covid pandemic, and its subsequent acceleration as state institutions begin to propagate falsehoods. Trustworthy bodies like the CDC and FDA are being undermined, prompting a crisis in public trust regarding science and health. Examples include the government’s support for claims regarding Donald Trump’s election win and the portrayal of January 6th rioters. Schools are altering curricula to align with these narratives, and federal agencies are removing references to climate change.
The National Science Foundation canceled funding for research on misinformation, while the CDC has laid off critical staff and is spreading dubious health claims. RFK Jr’s actions, such as dismissing independent vaccine advisory panels, further erode scientific credibility. The article emphasizes that with traditional sources of information compromised, the scientific community must find new ways to advocate for accuracy and trust.
Amidst this turmoil, organizations like the APHA and UCS, alongside former CDC officials, are mobilizing efforts to counter misinformation, promote public health, and defend science. The article stresses the importance of creating trusted information sources while acknowledging the challenges ahead, such as the potential backlash against those who speak out. It calls for urgent collective action within the scientific community to combat the entrenched disinformation landscape.
