GZERO World with Ian Bremmer How Trump is remaking US public health, with NY Times reporter Apoorva Mandavilli
Feb 8, 2025
Apoorva Mandavilli, a New York Times science and global health reporter, discusses the dramatic shifts in U.S. public health policy during the Trump administration. She delves into the controversial nomination of RFK Jr. and the deepening vaccine skepticism in America. Mandavilli explores the implications of withdrawing from the WHO and the challenges of public trust in health messaging. With rising concerns about future pandemics, she highlights a crucial need for reform in health institutions like the CDC and NIH, questioning whether these changes are corrections or risks.
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Dramatic Confirmation Hearings
- Apoorva Mandavilli discusses RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearings, highlighting the dramatic exchanges.
- Senators Hassan, Sanders, and Cassidy clashed with RFK Jr. over issues like autism and vaccine skepticism.
Chronic Disease Concerns
- While RFK Jr. often misrepresents statistics, he correctly identifies the growing problem of chronic diseases.
- He acknowledges the rising rates of obesity, cancers, and other health issues, particularly among young people and women in the U.S.
Corporate Mistrust
- RFK Jr.'s mistrust of corporate interests, while sometimes excessive, points to valid concerns.
- The Vioxx case, where pharmaceutical companies obscured data about heart attack risks, exemplifies his point.