Nearly half of U.S. adults express diminished confidence in public health due to leadership changes

A new poll conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in collaboration with the de Beaumont Foundation illustrates a significant shift in American adults' confidence in federal public health recommendations amidst notable changes in leadership. The poll, which surveyed 3,343 U.S. adults from March 10 to March 31, 2025, reveals that 44% of respondents anticipate losing trust in public health guidance due to alterations in federal leadership, with approximately 30% believing that their trust will decrease 'a lot'. This ominously contrasts with the 28% of individuals expressing an expectation of increased trust. The recent change in leadership, which included the appointment of controversial figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has been met with skepticism especially among Democrats, 76% of whom predict a decline in trust. On the other hand, a considerable number of Republicans (57%) forecast an increase in their confidence toward health recommendations under the new administration. Key concerns prominently affecting public trust include fears about political influence on health recommendations (76%), potential budget cuts impacting vital health programs (75%), and the risk of downplaying significant health threats like infectious diseases (72%). Additionally, there's anxiety about information access being restricted, particularly regarding topics such as vaccination. Despite these concerns, the poll also uncovered some areas of bipartisan agreement regarding public health priorities. Respondents from both major political affiliations expressed desire for focused efforts on preventing chronic diseases, ensuring safer drinking water, and protecting against potential pandemic threats. Brian C. Castrucci, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, asserted that these findings should motivate leaders in public health to 'fund what works, fix what doesn't, and find ways to work together to address these shared concerns.' This signals a crucial opportunity for cross-party collaboration in public health efforts despite prevailing mistrust issues. Overall, the poll highlights the complex and deeply divided sentiment among Americans towards federal health agencies, particularly the CDC, in a post-COVID landscape. As new leadership attempts to stabilize and perhaps rebuild trust, they face a monumental challenge of navigating a politically charged environment while prioritizing essential public health issues. With the potential erosion of public confidence hanging in the balance, these entities must adapt their approach to align more closely with the public's expectations and concerns regarding transparency and effectiveness in health policymaking.