EPA Launches Review of Fluoride in Drinking Water

Move aligns with 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda backed by Trump administration

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched the first step of an expedited review to determine safe levels of fluoride in drinking water. This comes as a priority of the Trump administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda, which is backed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist who opposes water fluoridation.

Why it matters

The EPA's final toxicity assessment will inform potential revisions to fluoride drinking water standards and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations on fluoride. This review is seen as a win for the MAHA movement, which has gained influence in the Trump administration and seeks to curb water fluoridation despite scientific evidence showing its benefits for dental health.

The details

The EPA was ordered in 2024 by a federal judge to strengthen fluoride regulation and address the risk of drinking water fluoridation to children's IQs. The agency will now take public comments for 30 days and the draft assessment will undergo external peer review before a final decision is made.

  • The EPA launched the first step of the expedited review on January 28, 2026.
  • The agency was ordered by a federal judge in 2024 to strengthen fluoride regulation.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Health Secretary in the Trump administration and a longtime anti-vaccine activist who opposes water fluoridation.

Lee Zeldin

EPA Administrator who has come under pressure from MAHA leaders to align his agency's agenda with their priorities.

American Dental Association

Has maintained support for community water fluoridation, which studies have shown reduces tooth decay by more than 25% in children and adults.

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What’s next

The EPA will take public comments for 30 days and the draft assessment will undergo external peer review before a final decision is made.

The takeaway

This review of fluoride in drinking water is seen as a win for the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, which has gained influence in the Trump administration and seeks to curb water fluoridation despite scientific evidence showing its benefits for dental health. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for public health policies around the country.