The Trump administration’s restructuring of the CDC has forced Mississippi to halt data collection for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a crucial national database used for maternal and infant health policy. This interruption stems from the dismantling of the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health, which oversaw PRAMS and lost much of its staff due to federal worker purges. The lack of comprehensive data from PRAMS will likely hinder efforts to improve maternal and infant health, particularly as Mississippi grapples with a surging infant mortality rate and seeks to address racial disparities in outcomes. Experts worry that this halt in data collection will lead to increased maternal and infant mortality rates.
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During a recent exchange, former President Donald Trump claimed that 300 million Americans died from drug overdoses in the past year. This assertion is demonstrably false, as official data from the CDC indicates that drug overdose deaths were closer to 75,000 in the 12 months ending March 2025. Trump’s exaggerated figure vastly surpasses even global drug-related deaths reported by the WHO. This is not the first time Trump has misrepresented drug death statistics, which has drawn criticism and mockery.
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In 2024, the U.S. death rate returned to pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 3.1 million deaths reported by the CDC. Heart disease and cancer continued to be leading causes of death, accounting for over 40% of the fatalities. Drug overdoses and unintentional injuries were the third leading cause of death. While COVID-19 contributed to tens of thousands of deaths, it fell out of the top 10 leading causes for the first time since the pandemic began.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as health secretary by Donald Trump, despite his well-known skepticism towards vaccines, has resulted in significant changes at the CDC, including staff firings and the cancellation of vaccine research funding. Trump is reportedly uneasy about this direction, particularly as he struggles to reconcile his base’s skepticism with the success of Operation Warp Speed. This tension is further exacerbated by Kennedy’s ambitions, as well as the divide between the Kennedy’s movement “Maha” and the Trump’s movement “Maga”. This has led to increased scrutiny from Republican senators and internal conflict within the administration, including controversy around vaccine recommendations and mandates.
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Nine former CDC directors are sounding the alarm, and it’s a seriously worrying situation. Their concern? That RFK Jr.’s actions are actively harming public health. They’re not mincing words, and they’re calling for swift action to counter his influence. It’s a stark warning from some of the most respected voices in the field, people who have dedicated their careers to protecting the well-being of the population.
The core of their concern seems to revolve around RFK Jr.’s promotion of misinformation, particularly regarding vaccines. This isn’t just a matter of opinion; it’s a direct threat to public health. When people are discouraged from getting vaccinated, we see a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and polio.… Continue reading
During a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. placed blame for America’s high COVID-19 death rate on the CDC, omitting the fact that the pandemic occurred during the Trump administration. Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, criticized the agency’s leadership and policies, despite widespread criticism of his own changes to vaccine recommendations and personnel. He faced sharp questioning from both Republican and Democratic senators, who challenged his knowledge of COVID-19 data and his actions regarding vaccine access and authorization. The hearing highlighted controversies surrounding Kennedy’s leadership and his controversial views on vaccine safety.
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Over 1,000 current and former US Department of Health and Human Services employees have written a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging his resignation due to actions they claim have put American health at risk. The letter specifically cites the facilitation of Dr. Susan Monarez’s firing, the appointment of “political ideologues” to vaccine policy roles, and the rescinding of emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines without providing supporting data. This follows the ousting of Monarez and the resignations of several senior CDC officials, sparking calls for Kennedy’s removal from both members of Congress and public health groups. Kennedy has defended his actions, claiming to be restoring public trust in the CDC and eliminating conflicts of interest within the agency.
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During a CNN interview, the CDC’s Daskalakis stated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has never been briefed by a CDC expert on measles, COVID-19, or influenza. Daskalakis confirmed that the CDC, considered a world leader in public health, has offered briefings that Kennedy has not accepted, leading to speculation about the sources of Kennedy’s information. This revelation adds to growing criticism regarding Kennedy’s health expertise, particularly as the American Public Health Association condemned his actions and anti-vaccine views.
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Recent reports from the CDC indicate a concerning rise in rabies cases in the U.S., with six human deaths reported in the last year, the highest in recent years. Outbreaks are occurring across multiple states, possibly fueled by factors like habitat loss due to urban expansion and increased surveillance, particularly impacting bats and wild animals. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, with bat bites being a primary cause of human infection. Veterinarians also express concern regarding vaccine hesitancy in pet owners, which could contribute to increased cases in domestic animals.
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Following the abrupt dismissal of the CDC director by the White House, the agency is experiencing significant upheaval. Four high-ranking officials have resigned in protest, signaling widespread concern. Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden expressed grave concerns about the situation, including a loss of trust in the CDC’s information. Frieden specifically worries about the appointment of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the helm of the agency.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood