Trump Administration Overhauls U.S. Health Policy: Executive Orders, Data Cuts, and HHS Restructuring (2025-2026)

A timeline of key actions by the Trump administration that reshaped the Department of Health and Human Services, vaccine policy, public health programs, and more.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Since President Donald J. Trump's return to the White House, a cascade of executive orders, budget proposals, and agency-wide restructurings has reshaped the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The changes touch everything from data transparency to vaccine policy, and they set the stage for several emerging trends that will define public-health strategy for years to come.

Why it matters

The recent overhaul of HHS and public health policy under the Trump administration has far-reaching implications for data access, funding priorities, vaccine guidance, and the sustainability of key public health programs. These changes are likely to have a significant impact on healthcare providers, researchers, and the general public.

The details

The changes initiated by the Trump administration include the removal of thousands of HHS webpages and databases, a controversial new policy on NIH indirect cost rates, the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary, and a major restructuring of the department that will eliminate 20,000 jobs. Additionally, the administration has taken steps to reshape vaccine policy, including changes to the childhood vaccination schedule, the removal of ACIP members, and a shift towards 'shared decision-making' on certain vaccines.

  • On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued executive orders targeting 'gender ideology,' DEI, and related topics, prompting HHS to remove thousands of health-focused webpages and databases.
  • In September 2025, a lawsuit filed by the Washington State Medical Association resulted in the restoration of the HHS websites to their January 29, 2025 versions.
  • On February 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health announced a new 15% 'standard indirect cost rate' for grants, which was immediately challenged and halted by a series of court orders.
  • On February 13, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as HHS Secretary in a 52-48 vote.
  • On February 13, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order establishing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission.

The players

Donald J. Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who returned to the White House in 2025 and initiated a series of executive orders and policy changes that reshaped HHS and public health policy.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The newly confirmed HHS Secretary, who has expressed criticism of certain vaccines and has taken steps to reshape vaccine policy, including the removal of ACIP members and changes to the childhood vaccination schedule.

Washington State Medical Association

A coalition of medical professionals that filed a lawsuit to reverse the removal of HHS websites and health data, resulting in the restoration of the sites to their January 29, 2025 versions.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The federal agency that announced a new 15% 'standard indirect cost rate' for grants, which was challenged and halted by a series of court orders.

Administration for a Healthy America (AHA)

A new agency created as part of the HHS restructuring, which will merge several offices and move the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The public-health landscape is in a state of rapid transformation. Stakeholders should stay alert to executive orders, court rulings, and agency announcements that could reshape data access, funding streams, and vaccine policy.

The takeaway

The recent overhaul of HHS and public health policy under the Trump administration has far-reaching implications for data access, funding priorities, vaccine guidance, and the sustainability of key public health programs. These changes are likely to have a significant impact on healthcare providers, researchers, and the general public, and stakeholders should closely monitor the evolving landscape.