Erosion of Public Trust in Federal Health Agencies Persists Five Years After COVID-19 Pandemic
Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, public trust in key federal health institutions remains fragile, a new Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll reveals. Less than half of the American public expresses confidence in agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to effectively execute their core responsibilities, including ensuring the safety of prescription drugs and vaccines and responding to infectious disease outbreaks. This lingering distrust underscores the lasting impact of the pandemic-era communication challenges, political divisions, and the proliferation of misinformation. Particularly concerning is the low level of confidence (32%) in these agencies’ ability to operate independently, free from external influence, raising questions about the perceived politicization of science and public health.
The KFF poll highlights the persistent partisan divide in public perceptions of the FDA and CDC, particularly regarding vaccine information. While overall trust levels in both agencies remain relatively stable since September 2023, significant shifts have occurred within party lines. Trust among Democrats has declined by almost 20 percentage points, while trust among Republicans has risen by about 10 points. This trend coincides with the second Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s implementation of new vaccine policies and messaging, suggesting a link between political actions and public perception. Although the partisan gap has narrowed, Democrats continue to express greater trust in the agencies’ vaccine information compared to Republicans.
The spread of misinformation continues to pose a significant challenge to public health efforts. Nearly half of the respondents report encountering the false claim that mRNA vaccines, like those used against COVID-19, can alter DNA. While a small percentage believe this claim to be definitely true, a significant portion remains unsure, highlighting the vulnerability of the public to misinformation. This uncertainty extends to the safety of mRNA technology itself, with half of the respondents expressing a lack of knowledge to form an opinion. This knowledge gap emphasizes the need for continued public education and clear communication from trusted sources to combat misinformation and foster informed decision-making.
The poll also reveals concerns regarding the influence of political agendas on scientific integrity. A majority of Americans, including most Democrats and independents, believe that federal health agencies are not prioritizing science under the current administration. This perception further erodes public trust and raises questions about the objectivity of public health recommendations. Restoring confidence in these institutions requires a demonstrable commitment to scientific principles and transparent communication, free from political interference.
Despite the overall decline in trust in federal health agencies, confidence in the safety of established vaccines remains relatively high. Strong majorities express confidence in vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and the flu, reflecting the long-standing acceptance of these immunizations. However, confidence in COVID-19 vaccines remains lower, particularly among Republicans, highlighting the persistent politicization surrounding this specific vaccine. Building broader confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and future vaccines will require addressing the underlying concerns and misinformation contributing to vaccine hesitancy.
The findings of the KFF poll underscore the urgent need to rebuild public trust in scientific institutions and combat the spread of health misinformation. Strengthening public health infrastructure requires a multi-faceted approach, including transparent communication from government agencies, robust public education campaigns, and continued efforts to address the root causes of vaccine hesitancy. As the nation navigates the ongoing pandemic and prepares for future health crises, fostering trust in science and public health institutions is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of public health interventions and protecting the health and well-being of the population. The erosion of public trust poses a significant threat to the nation’s ability to respond effectively to future health emergencies, making addressing this issue a critical priority. Rebuilding trust will require sustained effort, transparency, and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
