KFF Health News' 'What the Health?' Trump Further Politicizes Science
13 snips
Aug 14, 2025 
Join healthcare experts Sarah Karlin-Smith and Aaron Carroll as they dive into the controversial implications of a new executive order that shifts scientific funding from career experts to political appointees. They unpack the challenges posed by this politicization, including its effects on public trust and vaccine research. Carroll offers insights on restoring faith in public health initiatives, while the group discusses pressing issues like Medicaid cuts and the evolution of youth health insurance policies, highlighting stories that reflect broader trends in healthcare.
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Political Control Over Science Funding
- The executive order moves federal grant decisions from career scientists to political appointees.
- That politicization risks destabilizing long-term research and driving scientists abroad.
Grant Uncertainty Drives Brain Drain
- Grant cancellations for "convenience" create unpredictable research funding and deter researchers.
- Alice Miranda Ollstein warned uncertainty will push scientists to other countries and hurt U.S. knowledge and economy.
Threats Erode Public Health Workforce
- The CDC shooting reflects escalating threats to public health workers fueled by misinformation and politicization.
- Panelists link hostile rhetoric and policy moves to staff fear, departures, and reduced public health capacity.