Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• EPA planning to gut research office and fire scientists — The New York Times reported that the EPA is planning to gut its Office of Research and Development and fire over 1,000 chemists, biologists, toxicologists, and other scientists, dismantling the agency's scientific capacity.

Supporting reports

• EPA Chief Lee Zeldin announces rollback of environmental rules — EPA Chief Lee Zeldin announced plans to roll back 31 key environmental rules, affecting clean air, water, and climate change regulations. The rollback includes eliminating rules on industrial pollution and protections for rivers and wetlands. This move has drawn criticism from former EPA administrators and environmental advocates, who warn it could have severe environmental and public health consequences.
• EPA planning to gut research office and fire scientists — The New York Times reported that the EPA is planning to gut its Office of Research and Development and fire over 1,000 chemists, biologists, toxicologists, and other scientists, dismantling the agency's scientific capacity.
• Trump’s EPA announces rollback of 31 pollution regulations — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Trump administration announced plans to scale back or eliminate 31 pollution regulations. These regulations, which include limits on harmful air pollution from cars and power plants, as well as restrictions on mercury emissions and clean water protections, were projected to save nearly 200,000 lives over the coming years. The EPA's decision has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing that the rollbacks will endanger public health and increase healthcare costs.

Supporting reports

• President Trump rescinds multiple executive orders and actions — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14236, revoking several executive orders and memoranda from the previous administration. This includes orders related to COVID-19 response, minimum wage for federal contractors, and biotechnology innovation. The revocations aim to restore what the administration describes as "common sense" to federal governance. The order was signed on March 14, 2025, and affects various policies across national security, labor, and economic sectors.
• Trump rescinds multiple executive orders — On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions," which revoked several executive actions from the previous administration. This order rescinded Executive Order 13994 related to COVID-19 response, National Security Memorandum 3 on foreign policy workforce revitalization, and other orders and memoranda concerning minimum wage for federal contractors, energy supply, and biotechnology innovation, among others. The rescissions aim to restore what Trump describes as "common sense" to federal governance and to unleash the potential of American citizens.
• Trump signed executive order rescinding 17 additional Biden-era executive actions and memoranda — President Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, rescinding 17 additional executive actions, memoranda, and determinations issued by the Biden administration. The rescissions include orders on COVID-19 response, federal contractor minimum wage, LGBTQ+ human rights abroad, apprenticeships, worker empowerment, tribal self-determination, biotechnology innovation, and various Defense Production Act determinations related to infant formula, solar modules, insulation, electrolyzers, and heat pumps. The order states the rescissions are necessary to "restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of American citizens."
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump executive order rescinding 19 Biden executive actions — The White House published a fact sheet on March 14, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order rescinding 19 executive actions issued by the Biden administration. The fact sheet states this is the second round of rescissions, following approximately 80 actions rescinded on Trump's first day in office. The document claims the rescissions target policies on gender ideology in diplomacy, Defense Production Act use for renewable energy mandates, labor policies, union-driven regulations, and biotech initiatives. The fact sheet characterizes these as "harmful" and "radical."

Supporting reports

• White House withdraws CDC nomination — The Trump administration withdrew the nomination of Dave Weldon to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the day of his confirmation hearing. Weldon, a former Republican congressman, faced scrutiny for his anti-vaccine views. The withdrawal was reportedly influenced by the new US health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr., who is also known for his anti-vaccine stance. Weldon expressed relief at the withdrawal, citing personal reasons and plans to return to his medical practice.
• White House Withdraws Nomination for CDC Director — The White House has withdrawn its nomination for the CDC Director. This decision follows controversies surrounding vaccine misinformation and policy changes under the current administration, including the spread of false claims about vaccines and the cancellation of important advisory meetings.
• Trump administration withdraws CDC nominee — The Trump administration withdrew its nomination of Dave Weldon to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the day of his scheduled confirmation hearing. Weldon, a former Republican congressman, did not face the Senate hearing as planned. This withdrawal leaves the CDC without a confirmed leader amid ongoing public health challenges.

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• RFK Jr. claimed MMR vaccine causes deaths and promoted false safety comparisons — In a March 11 Fox News interview, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed the MMR vaccine "does cause deaths every year" and causes "all the illnesses that measles itself causes, encephalitis and blindness, et cetera," concluding that vaccination is a personal choice. The Infectious Diseases Society of America states these claims are false; there are "no deaths shown to be related to the MMR vaccine in healthy people." Kennedy made these statements while serving as the nation's top public health official during an active measles outbreak.
• RFK Jr. made false claims about measles vaccine safety on Fox News — On March 11, 2025, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared on Fox News and made multiple false statements about the MMR vaccine, claiming it wanes 4.5% per year (unsupported by evidence), provides no lifetime immunity (contradicted by scientific consensus), and causes deaths annually (contradicted by the Infectious Diseases Society of America). Kennedy suggested contracting measles was preferable to vaccination, despite measles causing encephalitis and blindness—claims the article documents as scientifically false.
• RFK Jr. Spreads Misinformation About Vaccines — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has been spreading misinformation about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, particularly the MMR vaccine, during a Fox News interview. Kennedy claimed that the vaccine causes deaths and illnesses, contradicting the CDC's position that the vaccine is much safer than contracting measles, mumps, or rubella. This misinformation comes amid a significant measles outbreak, with over 250 cases and two deaths reported this year, primarily in areas with low vaccination rates.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming 50 achievements in first 50 days — The White House published a fact sheet titled "50 WINS IN 50 DAYS: President Trump Delivers for Americans" on March 10, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, tariffs, investment announcements, energy policy, military recruitment, government reorganization, and regulatory rollbacks. The document attributes specific outcomes to executive actions, including border crossing reductions, tariff implementations, private-sector investment commitments, energy policy reversals, and personnel changes. No new instruments are announced; the fact sheet restates and promotes previously issued orders and policies.

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• RFK Jr. promoted cod liver oil as measles prevention and downplayed measles severity — In a March 3 Fox Nation interview, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated it is "very very difficult for measles to kill a healthy person" and promoted "cod liver oil" for treatment and prevention of measles. Cod liver oil is not a substitute for vaccination. To obtain a therapeutic dose of Vitamin A from cod liver oil would require ingesting 45 teaspoons per day for two days. Children died in Texas from measles in 2025 with no underlying health conditions, contradicting Kennedy's claims about measles severity in healthy individuals.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional release claiming economic and border security achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Monday Morning Wins: Call It the 'Trump Effect'" claiming achievements across manufacturing, border security, and small business regulation. The release states that Honda and Clarios announced U.S. manufacturing expansions, Apple announced a $500 billion investment creating 20,000 jobs, Eli Lilly announced $27 billion in U.S. manufacturing investment, illegal border crossings fell 94% year-over-year in February, and the Treasury suspended enforcement of beneficial ownership reporting requirements for U.S. citizens.
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump foreign policy and military initiatives — The White House published a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Leading with Peace Through Strength" detailing foreign policy actions and military initiatives. The document claims Trump secured release of 11 American hostages, began Ukraine peace negotiations, conducted military strikes against ISIS operatives, imposed sanctions on Iran and the ICC, reinstated the Mexico City Policy, redesignated Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, banned UNRWA funding, ordered embassies to fly only the American flag, cracked down on pro-Hamas foreign students, and initiated missile defense development. On military matters, it states recruitment numbers are at historic highs, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine was selected as Joint Chiefs chairman, transgender military service was barred, and military academy boards were dismissed.
• White House issues release claiming government efficiency achievements — The White House published a promotional release asserting that President Trump has undertaken efforts to downsize the federal government, including establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), ordering federal workers to return to offices five days per week, imposing hiring freezes, ending the Federal Executive Institute, terminating federal media contracts, halting USAID operations, ordering the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to cease operations, and directing reviews of federal grants and foreign aid. The release claims these actions have achieved "billions of dollars in savings."
• White House announces Elissa Slotkin as Democratic responder to Trump's Joint Address to Congress — The White House issued a release announcing that Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's Joint Address to Congress on March 4, 2025. The release characterizes Slotkin's voting record on EV regulations and border security, stating she voted against repealing Biden's tailpipe emissions rule and against border security measures. The release cites research claiming EV mandates would cost jobs and notes that attempted border crossings in February were at historically low levels.
• White House announces First Lady's guest list for joint session address — The White House issued a release announcing that First Lady Melania Trump has invited twelve individuals and families as special guests to attend President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress. The guests include victims of crimes attributed to undocumented immigrants, a parent challenging school gender-transition policies, an athlete injured by a transgender competitor, a wrongfully imprisoned American released by Russia, and others described as affected by "the disaster wrought by the previous administration." The release frames each guest's story as illustrating Trump administration priorities.
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump administration policies affecting transgender youth and school sports — The White House published a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Protecting America's Children" on March 4, 2025, claiming the administration has taken action on multiple fronts. The document states the President made it official policy that there are only two sexes, ended what it characterizes as unfair practices in women's sports, and issued an executive order on "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation." The fact sheet cites actions by health systems and school districts, including pauses or cessations of gender-affirming medical care for minors at hospitals in Illinois, Colorado, Washington D.C., and Virginia, and claims the Department of Education launched investigations into state athletic associations. It also states the administration banned COVID-19 vaccine mandates at federally funded schools.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming Trump administration economic actions and deregulation initiatives — The White House published a fact sheet asserting that President Trump's actions are "undoing Biden's economic damage" through deregulation, energy policy, and price relief directives. The document claims Trump directed agencies to lower costs, established the National Energy Dominance Council, postponed Biden-era appliance efficiency standards, implemented a 10-to-1 deregulation ratio, and eliminated electric vehicle mandates. It attributes crude oil price declines and claims of regulatory cost savings to these actions.
• White House issues fact sheet on energy policy actions — The White House issued a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Unleashing American Energy" on March 4, 2025, summarizing energy-related executive actions. The document claims Trump declared a National Energy Emergency, established a National Energy Dominance Council, rescinded Biden-era energy regulations, terminated the "Green New Scam," withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, paused federal permitting for wind farms, reversed Alaska resource regulations, reopened 625 million acres for offshore drilling, scrapped greenhouse gas rules, and ended an LNG pause. The fact sheet characterizes these actions as unlocking energy potential and reducing costs.
• White House issues fact sheet on tariffs and manufacturing investment claims — The White House issued a fact sheet claiming President Trump has restored a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated aluminum tariffs to 25%, and asserting that these actions have prompted major corporate investment announcements. The document states Trump has secured nearly $2 trillion in new U.S. investments, citing announcements from TSMC ($100 billion), Apple ($500 billion), a $500 billion AI infrastructure project, DAMAC Properties ($20 billion), Clarios ($6 billion), Eli Lilly ($27 billion), and Saudi Arabia ($600 billion over four years). The fact sheet attributes these announcements to Trump's tariff and trade policies.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming deregulation has saved families $2,100 each — The White House issued a fact sheet asserting that President Trump's deregulation efforts have saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, by halting proposed Biden-era regulations. The document claims the Biden Administration added $1.8 trillion in new regulatory costs over four years, with 72% attributed to EPA rules. It lists specific regulatory actions by Trump, including halting new regulations, implementing a 1-in-10-out regulatory budget, and abolishing DEI across agencies. The fact sheet details costly Biden regulations, particularly in vehicle emissions, water quality, and healthcare staffing.
• White House issues fact sheet on cabinet actions and policy announcements — The White House published a fact sheet titled "Cabinet Wins: Trump Administration Unleashing Golden Age" on March 7, 2025, cataloging cabinet department actions across energy, law enforcement, immigration, education, health, and other domains. The document lists announcements including Department of Energy LNG permit approvals, Department of Justice arrests, Department of State designations and visa restrictions, Department of Homeland Security border crossing statistics, and various regulatory and enforcement actions by other agencies. The fact sheet frames these as achievements and policy reversals from the Biden administration.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming manufacturing job gains under Trump — The White House issued a fact sheet on March 7, 2025, claiming that manufacturing employment rebounded under President Trump. The document states the country gained 10,000 manufacturing jobs in February 2025, with 8,900 new auto jobs, and cites S&P Global and ISM manufacturing surveys as evidence of sector expansion. The fact sheet attributes the rebound to Trump's trade policies and contrasts February gains against job losses reported during the final year of the Biden administration.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders expansion of logging in US forests — Donald Trump issued an executive order to expand logging across 280 million acres of national forests and public lands, bypassing protections under the Endangered Species Act. The order directs the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to increase timber production, citing national and economic security. The move has been criticized for potentially increasing wildfire risks and threatening endangered species. Environmental groups warn that this could lead to habitat destruction and pollution of water supplies.
• Trump ordered expansion of tree-cutting on public lands — On March 3, 2025, Trump ordered an expansion of tree-cutting across 280 million acres (113 million hectares) of national forests and other public lands. The order calls for reversing "heavy-handed federal policies" and increasing "domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security." The order evades rules to protect endangered species and raises the prospect of chainsaws razing some of the most ecologically important trees in the US.

Supporting reports

• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on timber production expansion — The White House published a fact sheet on March 1, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to increase domestic timber production and streamline federal forest management policies. The order directs agencies to issue new guidance facilitating timber production, reduce approval timelines under the Endangered Species Act, and boost timber sales from public lands. The fact sheet claims the measure will reduce wildfire risks, lower construction costs, decrease reliance on imported timber, and support 750,000 jobs in the wood industry.
• White House signed executive order directing accelerated timber production on federal lands — President Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to issue guidance within 30 days to expand timber production on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The order mandates streamlined permitting, expedited Endangered Species Act consultations, categorical exclusions for timber thinning and salvage, and a four-year timber sales target. The order states these measures are necessary to reduce reliance on foreign timber, create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and lower construction costs.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Timber Production Expansion — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14225 to expand American timber production. The order directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue guidance and legislative proposals to increase timber production, streamline permitting, and reduce regulatory burdens. The order aims to enhance domestic timber supply, reduce reliance on imports, and improve forest management practices.
• Trump issues executive order to expand American timber production — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the expansion of American timber production. The order mandates the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue new guidance to increase timber production and improve forest management. It aims to reduce reliance on foreign timber, create jobs, and enhance economic security. The order includes directives for streamlined permitting processes and potential legislative proposals to support these goals.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on timber production expansion — The White House published a fact sheet on March 1, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to increase domestic timber production and streamline federal forest management policies. The order directs agencies to issue new guidance facilitating timber production, reduce approval timelines under the Endangered Species Act, and boost timber sales from public lands. The fact sheet claims the measure will reduce wildfire risks, lower construction costs, decrease reliance on imported timber, and support 750,000 jobs in the wood industry.
• White House signed executive order directing accelerated timber production on federal lands — President Trump signed an executive order on March 1, 2025, directing the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to issue guidance within 30 days to expand timber production on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The order mandates streamlined permitting, expedited Endangered Species Act consultations, categorical exclusions for timber thinning and salvage, and a four-year timber sales target. The order states these measures are necessary to reduce reliance on foreign timber, create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and lower construction costs.
• Trump orders expansion of logging in US forests — Donald Trump issued an executive order to expand logging across 280 million acres of national forests and public lands, bypassing protections under the Endangered Species Act. The order directs the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to increase timber production, citing national and economic security. The move has been criticized for potentially increasing wildfire risks and threatening endangered species. Environmental groups warn that this could lead to habitat destruction and pollution of water supplies.
• Trump ordered expansion of tree-cutting on public lands — On March 3, 2025, Trump ordered an expansion of tree-cutting across 280 million acres (113 million hectares) of national forests and other public lands. The order calls for reversing "heavy-handed federal policies" and increasing "domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security." The order evades rules to protect endangered species and raises the prospect of chainsaws razing some of the most ecologically important trees in the US.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration targets NOAA with budget cuts — The Trump administration has initiated significant budget cuts and a political crackdown on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a leading US climate research agency. The administration plans to reduce NOAA's budget by roughly a third, affecting staffing and halting projects focused on inclusion and equity. Representatives from the "department of government efficiency" have demanded access to NOAA's IT systems and editorial control over intranet sites. These actions are part of a broader effort to align NOAA's operations with Trump's executive orders, potentially dismantling the agency's climate research capabilities.
• Trump administration fires hundreds at NOAA — The Trump administration has terminated hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a key climate research agency within the Department of Commerce. The firings, which occurred on a Thursday afternoon, primarily affected probationary employees, including those hired through Schedule A, which supports diverse candidates such as veterans and people with disabilities. This move has sparked criticism from various quarters, including lawmakers and scientific experts, who argue that the cuts will harm NOAA's ability to provide critical weather forecasts and climate data, ultimately affecting public safety and national security.
• NOAA announces cuts to workforce — The Trump administration has fired hundreds of workers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a key climate research agency within the Department of Commerce. The firings specifically targeted probationary employees, affecting roughly 10% of the agency's workforce. This move has sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers who warn that the cuts could jeopardize national security and public safety by leaving NOAA understaffed and unable to perform its critical functions effectively.
• — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced cuts of 800 workers, with potential further cuts bringing the total to 1,000, impacting its ability to monitor climate change and provide essential weather reports.

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• NIH reimposes DEI funding freeze despite court order — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has continued to freeze funding for grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite a federal court's temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting such actions. Internal NIH memos reveal that the freeze applies to new and continuation awards from February 14, 2025, onward. This action contravenes the court's order and affects critical research funding. The NIH's actions follow a Trump administration directive to pause federal financial assistance related to DEI, which was challenged and temporarily halted by the court.
• Trump administration blocks new NIH grant notices — The Trump administration has halted the issuance of new NIH grants by preventing the publication of necessary notices in the Federal Register. This action has stalled approximately 16,000 grant applications, affecting around $1.5 billion in funding. The blockade has led to the postponement of grant review meetings, impacting researchers and potentially delaying critical scientific advancements. The administration has not provided an explanation for this policy or indicated when it might be lifted, raising concerns about compliance with a federal court's TRO against funding freezes.

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• Trump administration halts NIH funding process — The Trump administration has blocked the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from submitting study sections to the Federal Register, a necessary step for funding medical research. This action likely violates a federal judge's temporary restraining order against federal funding freezes. The NIH's inability to proceed with study sections effectively halts the extramural research program, impacting research on diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The move has been criticized as a violation of court orders and a disruption to scientific progress.

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• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming executive accomplishments in first month — The White House published a fact sheet titled "America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started" on February 20, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, economic policy, energy, military matters, and domestic governance. The document asserts that President Trump has "already accomplished more than most presidents do in their entire term" after one month in office. It attributes specific policy actions including border emergency declarations, tariff implementations, military deployments, regulatory rollbacks, and personnel changes across federal agencies.
• White House issues compilation release touting departmental accomplishments after one month — The White House published a compilation release on February 21, 2025, in which it aggregated statements from eight federal departments (Homeland Security, Interior, Education, Housing and Urban Development, State, Transportation, Defense, and Health and Human Services) describing their claimed accomplishments during President Trump's first month in office. The release does not announce new policy but curates existing departmental messaging around themes including border security, energy development, education policy, military readiness, and what the administration characterizes as reversals of prior policies.

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• RFK Jr. promotes anti-vaccine message amid Texas measles outbreak — During a visit to Texas, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services, continued to promote anti-vaccine rhetoric despite a significant measles outbreak in the state. Kennedy suggested that childhood vaccines might be linked to chronic illnesses and announced plans to study the vaccination schedule. This stance contradicts established scientific consensus and raises concerns about public health, especially as vaccination rates decline and measles cases rise.

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• DOJ fires USDA lab staff amid bird flu outbreak — The Department of Justice fired 25% of the staff in a central program office of the USDA's National Animal Health Laboratory Network, which coordinates responses to animal disease outbreaks like the H5N1 bird flu. The firings are expected to slow testing and response efforts, impacting public health and safety.

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• Louisiana health department cancels mass vaccination promotion — The Louisiana health department, under the direction of Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham, has decided to cease promoting mass vaccinations through media campaigns and health fairs. This decision, outlined in an internal memo, emphasizes vaccination as a personal choice rather than a public health mandate. The move has sparked concerns about potential increases in preventable diseases like measles and polio. Despite this, the department will continue to stock and provide vaccines. The decision comes amid a measles outbreak in neighboring Texas and has been criticized by public health advocates.

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• White House issues promotional release claiming multiple policy achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Wins Come All Day Under President Donald J. Trump" on February 14, 2025, cataloging claimed achievements from the preceding week. The document asserts actions including: hostage releases from Russia and Belarus; tariff impositions on steel and aluminum; trade policy announcements; diplomatic engagement with Russia, Ukraine, Jordan, and India; energy project approvals; federal workforce reductions (75,000+ resignations); executive orders on vaccine mandates, federal hiring freezes, and DEI program restrictions; agency investigations; name changes (Gulf of America); and various regulatory and personnel actions. The release attributes supportive statements to industry groups and foreign officials.

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• Establishment of the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14212, establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases in the U.S., with a focus on childhood health issues. The commission will study contributing factors, advise on policy, and recommend strategies to combat these health challenges.
• President Trump signed executive order establishing Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission on February 13, 2025. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases and mental health disorders in the United States. It will focus on reversing these trends by promoting transparency in health research, improving food quality, and expanding treatment options. The commission will also provide recommendations to the President on strategies to combat childhood chronic diseases.
• White House established Make America Healthy Again Commission by executive order — President Trump signed an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Commission is tasked with investigating root causes of America's health crisis, with initial focus on childhood chronic diseases. It will produce a 100-day assessment on childhood chronic disease and a 180-day strategy to improve children's health, operating under four policy directives: transparency in federally funded health research, prioritizing gold-standard research on disease causation, working with farmers on food safety and affordability, and expanding treatment options and health coverage flexibility.
• — The White House issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to address what the order characterizes as a childhood chronic disease crisis in the United States. The order directs the Commission to study contributing causes—including diet, medical treatments, environmental factors, and corporate influence—and to submit an assessment within 100 days and a strategy within 180 days. The Commission comprises 14 federal officials across health, agriculture, education, and other departments.

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• Musk's agency site adds data from rightwing thinktank — Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) website added data from the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a rightwing thinktank known for opposing climate-focused policies. The CEI's "unconstitutionality index" was included on the website's regulations page. CEI has a history of lobbying against climate treaties and regulations, and has ties to the Koch brothers' network. The addition of CEI data to the Doge website raises concerns about the influence of controversial thinktanks on government transparency and policy.

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• Judge blocks Trump from cutting NIH research funding — A federal judge in Massachusetts blocked the Trump administration's attempt to impose a 15% cap on indirect costs for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. This decision came after 22 states and major universities sued, arguing that the proposed cuts would significantly harm medical research funding. The administration's proposal aimed to reduce overhead costs, which are essential for maintaining research facilities and equipment. The court's intervention prevents the immediate implementation of these cuts, which were criticized for potentially undermining critical disease prevention research.

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• Judge orders CDC and FDA to restore webpages — A federal judge, John Bates, has ordered the Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and the FDA to restore webpages that were removed following an executive order by Donald Trump. The order, which targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, led to the removal of critical public health information. The judge emphasized the harm to everyday Americans, particularly underprivileged individuals seeking healthcare, and mandated the restoration of the webpages to their state as of January 30.

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• Trump signed executive orders to scrub diversity terms from health websites — On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed executive orders mandating the removal of terms related to race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and other diversity-related terms from U.S. health agency websites. This action led to the temporary removal of thousands of webpages and the permanent alteration of content, affecting the availability of vital health information. The orders have raised concerns about the impact on health research and the ability of healthcare providers to access necessary information for evidence-based care.

Supporting reports

• Robert F Kennedy Jr's confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary — Robert F Kennedy Jr, a known Trump ally, recently underwent a confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). His nomination has sparked significant controversy due to his past anti-vaccine stance and potential plans to cut Medicaid. Critics, including public health researchers and some of his own family members, have expressed strong opposition, fearing his policies could harm public health. Despite this, Kennedy's supporters, who favor alternative medicine and wellness, are optimistic about his potential leadership.
• Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed as health secretary — Robert F Kennedy Jr was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services after a Senate vote of 52 to 48. All Republicans except Mitch McConnell supported his nomination. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, will oversee agencies like the CDC and FDA. His confirmation has sparked controversy due to his past statements on vaccines and his financial ties to anti-vaccine litigation. Despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, Kennedy was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
• Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence — The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the U.S. director of national intelligence, with all Democrats voting against her and all Republicans, except Mitch McConnell, voting in favor. McConnell expressed concerns about Gabbard's qualifications for the significant role overseeing the intelligence community.
• RFK Jr. confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on February 13, 2025. Despite his long-standing anti-vaccine stance, Kennedy assured Republican Senators during his confirmation process that he would not restrict access to vaccines. However, shortly after his confirmation, Kennedy announced plans to convene a new panel to study the childhood vaccination schedule, raising concerns about potential changes to federal vaccine policies.
• Senate Republicans confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary — Senate Republicans, with the exception of Mitch McConnell, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This decision has raised concerns among some senators regarding Kennedy's lack of relevant experience and controversial statements about public health. Senator Jon Ossoff expressed disbelief that the Senate would place such an individual in charge of national public health.
• Senate Republicans confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services — On February 13, 2025, Senate Republicans, with the exception of Mitch McConnell, voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. This decision has raised concerns among some senators regarding Kennedy's lack of relevant experience and controversial statements about public health. Senator Jon Ossoff expressed disbelief that the Senate would place such an individual in charge of the nation's public health agencies.