Trump and Kennedy Reshape US Public Health Strategy

Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 14:36

By: Zahouani Ilham

Trump and Kennedy Reshape US Public Health Strategy

Under the leadership of Donald Trump and his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the United States is undergoing a dramatic transformation in its public health system.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has experienced sweeping cuts, with nearly 10,000 positions eliminated and billions of dollars in funding for universities and researchers abruptly halted. Public outreach initiatives, including flu vaccination awareness events, have also been canceled.

As part of his "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, Kennedy has visited childcare centers, schools, and health facilities to promote sweeping reforms. These include banning the purchase of sodas with federal food assistance, cutting back on synthetic food dyes, and removing fluoride from public water supplies.

One of his most controversial decisions has been the refusal to launch a national measles vaccination campaign, despite a surge in cases that has led to hundreds of infections and the deaths of two infants. This stance has triggered concern among healthcare professionals, public health experts, and lawmakers.

Alarm grew further following large-scale layoffs at major agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Officials estimate these cuts could save taxpayers $1.8 billion.

Despite these reductions, some programs have received increased support. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced a significant rise in payment rates for private insurers participating in Medicare Advantage, which could cost the government an additional $25 billion.

The sweeping reforms introduced by Trump and Kennedy have sparked a national debate: should fiscal savings take precedence over public health prevention efforts? The future of healthcare in America now hinges on the bold and controversial path set by this administration.