In just a few short weeks, the Trump administration has brought drastic changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health. Beginning with the removal of websites and key public health datasets in January 2025, the Trump administration has taken actions to dismantle established public health infrastructure as part of its second-term agenda.
In addition, the administration has begun a widespread purge of the federal public health workforce. As of Feb. 19, around 5,200 employees at the CDC and the National Institutes of Health had been let go. About 10% of the CDC’s staff have been removed, with plans for additional firings.
As a teaching professor and public health educator, I, like thousands of other health professionals, rely on CDC data and educational resources throughout my work. CDC websites are the first stop for health information for my students and for health care practitioners, and are vital to protecting the U.S. from infectious diseases, like avian flu and COVID-19, as well as noninfectious health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Here’s a quick look at what the CDC does to protect Americans’ health, and how it’s likely to be affected by the Trump administration’s actions:
Gutting the CDC’s capacity
Prior to the February cuts, the CDC employed over 10,000 full-time staff in roles spanning public health, epidemiology, medicine, communications, engineering and beyond to maintain this critical public health infrastructure.
In addition to the centers’ wide variety of functions to protect and promote public health in the U.S., a vast amount of research in the U.S. relies on CDC data.
The CDC collects data from all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, which is compiled into databases such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Health Interview Survey, and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Several of these datasets and CDC websites were temporarily removed at the beginning of the second Trump term, but have since been restored following a federal court order. The CDC also publishes the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which provides ongoing surveillance of key health conditions, including flu through its FluView.
Physicians have reported challenges in responding to respiratory virus surges due to missing data and restrictions on CDC staff communication. The CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, known as “disease detectives,” faced potential layoffs but were saved following public outcry. Concerns are rising that disruptions to infectious disease surveillance teams could impact the government’s ability to respond effectively to emerging health threats like avian flu and measles.
The CDC, established in 1946, has evolved into the nation’s premier public health organization, playing a crucial role in eradicating smallpox and identifying the causes of various diseases. As public health challenges have shifted over time, the CDC has adapted its focus to address changing needs, expanding its efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases. The CDC’s ability to rapidly expand and adjust its efforts is crucial for containing infectious diseases and preventing their escalation. This flexibility allows the CDC to respond effectively to novel outbreaks as needed.
In addition to its domestic efforts, the CDC also operates globally to address health challenges that could impact the U.S. over time. The agency works on diseases endemic in certain regions, such as tuberculosis and HIV, as well as responding to emerging threats like Ebola and Marburg virus disease.
The CDC played a key role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by collaborating with various health organizations to plan and execute a comprehensive response. In 2024, the CDC worked with the WHO to address a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, highlighting the importance of early detection and response to contain outbreaks.
However, the decision to withdraw from the WHO in 2025 by President Donald Trump weakens the country’s ability to manage and mitigate health threats to Americans and national security. The WHO plays a critical role in protecting children from starvation and monitoring infectious diseases, with the U.S. being a significant contributor to its operating costs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that delayed responses to infectious disease outbreaks can have severe long-term costs and consequences. Therefore, international collaboration and support for organizations like the WHO are essential in addressing global health challenges effectively.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNQfpAPG_Mc
