A recent poll from Harvard University and the de Beaumont Foundation has found that nearly half of U.S. adults expect to lose trust in government health recommendations over the next four years due to federal leadership changes. The survey, which involved 3,343 adults, also revealed a significant divide between Democrats and Republicans on the issue.
According to the poll, 44% of respondents believe they will lose trust in public health guidance, while 28% expect to gain it. Democrats are more likely to say they will lose trust (76%), whereas Republicans are more likely to say they will gain it (57%).
The poll’s findings suggest that concerns about politics influencing decision-making, the administration scaling back too much, and downplaying public health threats like infectious diseases are driving perceptions of a decline in trust. In contrast, respondents who expect to gain trust point to leadership making decisions to reduce financial waste, revisiting ignored recommendations, and focusing on primary health problems.
Despite partisan differences, there is bipartisan agreement on key priorities for the CDC, including preventing chronic disease, protecting against new viruses with pandemic potential, reducing maternal and infant mortality, ensuring tap water safety, addressing mental illness and addiction, promoting better nutrition, and protecting people from common risks like foodborne illness or heatstroke.
The poll’s authors urge leaders to use these findings to bolster trust by identifying effective strategies and working together to address shared concerns.
Source: https://rollcall.com/2025/04/29/greater-share-of-us-losing-faith-in-health-guidance-poll-says