Trust in US Health Agencies Plummets Under RFK Jr. Leadership

A year after being tasked with restoring faith in healthcare, controversies and policy changes have eroded public confidence.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A year ago, President Donald Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the goal of restoring faith in American healthcare. However, recent data reveals a stark decline in public trust, with approval ratings for the CDC and other agencies dropping significantly. Kennedy's tenure has been marked by personnel changes, public health challenges, and controversial policy decisions that have drawn widespread criticism from experts.

Why it matters

The erosion of trust in public health institutions could have serious consequences, potentially leading to further outbreaks of preventable diseases and undermining the public's willingness to follow important health recommendations. Rebuilding this trust will be a significant challenge, requiring a renewed commitment to transparency, scientific rigor, and evidence-based decision-making.

The details

Within weeks of taking office, Kennedy oversaw the termination of thousands of employees from agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH as part of a 'Department of Government Efficiency purge.' This was followed by a reorganization aimed at shrinking the HHS workforce by nearly 25%. These personnel changes coincided with a series of public health challenges, including a measles outbreak in Texas that resulted in a child's death, the first such fatality in the US in a decade. Kennedy also fired all 17 experts on the CDC's vaccine advisory panel and published an opinion piece defending his actions.

  • In April 2025, 59% of Americans trusted the CDC as a reliable source of health information.
  • By the latest KFF poll, that number had fallen to 47%, with declines observed across both Democrats and Republicans.
  • Kennedy was appointed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in February 2025.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2025 with the goal of restoring faith in American healthcare.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Dr. David Weldon

Trump's initial nominee for CDC director, who withdrew his candidacy amid concerns about his views on vaccine safety.

Dr. Susan Monarez

A former CDC director who was ousted after clashing with Kennedy over scientific evidence and personnel decisions.

Dr. Ralph Abraham

The current confirmed director of the CDC, who was sworn in July 2025 but has faced controversy and scrutiny.

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What’s next

Experts emphasize the need for transparency, scientific rigor, and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making to rebuild trust in public health institutions. However, the current trajectory suggests a continued erosion of confidence, potentially leading to further outbreaks of preventable diseases.

The takeaway

The erosion of trust in public health agencies under RFK Jr.'s leadership at the HHS has had far-reaching consequences, undermining the public's willingness to follow important health recommendations and potentially leading to further outbreaks of preventable diseases. Restoring this trust will require a renewed focus on transparency, scientific integrity, and evidence-based policymaking.