Trump Alarms Scientists by Muzzling US Health Agencies
- The move has led to the cancellation of numerous activities
- Companies, including Illumina, could be hurt by the freeze
The Senate Finance Committee’s confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick to lead HHS, is slated for the last week of January, likely pushing any vote on his nomination into February.
Photographer: Jason Andrew/The Washington Post/Getty Images
The Trump administration’s freeze on some government work and communications on health topics pending a political review is alarming the nation’s scientists, who say the move could delay essential information and slow funding for potentially life-saving initiatives.
In a memo this week, Dorothy Fink, acting secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, directed federal health agencies to stop much of their routine work until it’s been approved by a presidential appointee. The restrictions include a pause on issuing regulations and guidance, posting information on social media, putting out press releases and participating in speaking engagements through Feb. 1, she said. It was unclear exactly who could issue such approvals.