Federal Health Agencies Directed to Pause Communications Under New Trump Administration Directive
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The Trump administration has issued a directive requiring several federal health agencies to temporarily suspend external communications. Affected agencies include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other entities under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This suspension applies to scientific reports, health advisories, website updates, social media posts, and press releases.
According to a memo from Acting Health Secretary Dr. Dorothy Fink, this pause, effective through February 1, 2025, mandates that all communications and public engagements undergo review and approval by presidential appointees. Additionally, employees must coordinate with appointees before issuing official correspondence to Congress or governors. Exemptions for time-sensitive or legally mandated communications can be submitted for consideration.
The directive has raised significant concerns among public health experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention routinely provides critical updates on public health threats, including the current H5N1 bird flu outbreak affecting livestock and humans. Experts fear that delayed communication could hinder timely responses to emerging health risks.
Trump Administration Directs Federal Health Agencies to Pause Communications (CNN, Goodman, 1/22).
