Trump's Terms Poll: 59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s moves as health secretary
Oct 9, 2025
A new poll shows that political beliefs heavily influence health perceptions. Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona warns that RFK Jr.'s appointment could undermine trust in science, particularly in vaccine information. Partisan divides have shaped how Democrats and Republicans perceive health claims, leading to a troubling decline in trust in federal health agencies. Carmona stresses the need for nonpartisan scientific advice to protect public health amidst political interference, highlighting the consequences of dismissing scientific guidance.
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Partisanship Shapes Health Beliefs
- Health beliefs are increasingly filtered through partisan lenses rather than medical guidance.
- The KFF poll shows Republicans and Democrats sharply disagree about Tylenol and trust in health sources.
RFK Jr. Reorders Trusted Sources
- RFK Jr.'s appointment shifted whom people trust for health information along party lines.
- Among Republicans, RFK is trusted as much as their own health care provider, per the poll.
Decline In Trust For Federal Agencies
- Trust in federal health agencies has dropped, especially among Democrats.
- The poll shows a 24% decline in Democrats' trust in CDC vaccine information over two years.