Public trust in health and science agencies in the United States faces a significant decline, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The survey, undertaken between August 5 and August 18, 2025, reveals noteworthy shifts in public confidence, primarily influenced by political affiliations. With a sample size nearing 1,700 adults, the Annenberg survey indicates a broader trend that reflects a worrying development in how the public perceives these crucial institutions.
Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency, a notable erosion in trust has been observed, particularly among Democrats and those leaning toward the Democratic Party. This change appears to coincide with a series of public statements and actions directed at undermining the credibility of these agencies. The findings point to a significant shift away from previously established levels of trust, evidenced by the public’s perception of officials like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The survey results reveal that as of August 2025, only 39% of respondents expressed confidence in the information disseminated by RFK Jr. concerning public health matters. This is contrasted by a higher level of trust—57%—in Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former leader of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who remains a prominent figure in public health discussions even after enduring criticism during the pandemic. These contrasting levels of trust signal a deeply divided public sentiment, reflecting broader political and social currents that influence perceptions of medical authority.
The declining confidence in crucial U.S. health institutions such as the CDC, FDA, and NIH is particularly alarming when considering their role as “custodians of knowledge,” as described by Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. While these agencies historically maintain relatively high levels of trust, the current survey uncovers a disconcerting decline. For instance, confidence in the CDC has dipped from 72% in September 2024 to 64% in the latest survey, with a similar trend observed for both the FDA and NIH.
The survey results indicate that public confidence in the FDA has fallen sharply, dropping to 63% from a previous high of 73% in late 2024. Meanwhile, the NIH has experienced a decline from 74% to 62% over the same period, illustrating a sustained lack of trust in institutions central to public health in the U.S. Over one-third of respondents indicated they were unconfident in these agencies, marking a critical shift in the public’s reliance on information from government sources tasked with safeguarding public health and safety.
In terms of initial healthcare interactions, individuals continue to place their trust primarily in their personal health care providers, with an overwhelming 86% expressing confidence in their doctors or nurses. This sentiment underscores the importance of primary care relationships and reflects a growing disconnection between the public and national health agencies responsible for guiding clinical practices and public health initiatives.
Further complicating the landscape are the ongoing perceptions of climate impact on public health. The Annenberg survey also assessed confidence in both NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency regarding their roles in delivering trustworthy information about how climate change is affecting health. Confidence in NASA has fallen from 77% to 65%, while the EPA declined from 70% to 57%. Such trends suggest that anxieties regarding climate change are intertwined with broader concerns about the reliability of information from established scientific institutions.
Partisan perspectives form a crucial element of the survey results, with Democratic respondents displaying a marked decrease in confidence across the board for health sciences. The results indicate a growing void: as trust declines for health agencies, the implications for public policy and community well-being become increasingly precarious. This is compounded by public statements from political leaders who have not only criticized these agencies but have also sought to reshape the narrative around health policies, particularly concerning vaccination and communicable disease management.
Diving into the comparison between RFK Jr. and Dr. Fauci, it becomes evident that even with Kennedy’s position as HHS Secretary, confidence in his communications on public health is significantly lower than that of Fauci, whose credibility remains intact even years after his role in pandemic response. The public’s view of Kennedy seems to be swayed more by the political climate and the controversies surrounding his statements than by any substantive achievements in his current position.
The shift in trust is further nuanced when exploring the responses grouped by political affiliation, reflecting divergent attitudes toward health governance. Republican respondents appear to show slight increases in confidence in health institutions since Trump’s inauguration, marking a contrast to the increasing skepticism voiced by Democrats. Notably, these responses highlight the growing polarization surrounding health discourse, positioning public health not just as a matter of community wellness but also as a contested political battlefield.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center continues to regularly monitor these trends, with a particular focus on how American public health knowledge and communication have evolved over time. Over the last four years, they have conducted a series of longitudinal surveys aimed at understanding fluctuations in public belief systems regarding key issues such as vaccination, disease prevention, and health communication. These studies serve to illuminate not only the public’s evolving perceptions but also the underlying factors that influence trust in scientific expertise.
In the grander scheme, the survey results call for immediate attention from both policymakers and health leaders. The observed decline in public confidence poses a series of challenges that will need strategic interventions. Building public trust cannot happen overnight; it requires transparency, clear communication of scientific findings, and a recommitment to establishing accountability among health leaders to restore faith in these vital institutions. The consequences of failing to address these declines in trust could reverberate through health initiatives, policy-making, and the overall effectiveness of public health systems in the United States.
In conclusion, the survey represents a clarion call to health agencies and policy experts alike, indicating a need for reflection and redirection of strategies to rebuild relationships between the public and health authorities. The path forward necessitates prioritizing the rebuilding of trust through comprehensive engagement and transparent communication, ensuring that the public feels informed and supported in their health choices.
Subject of Research: Public Trust in Health Agencies
Article Title: Declining Public Confidence in U.S. Health Institutions Amid Political Strife
News Publication Date: August 2025
Web References: Annenberg Public Policy Center
References: N/A
Image Credits: Annenberg Public Policy Center
Keywords
Public health, trust, health agencies, Annenberg Public Policy Center, RFK Jr., Dr. Fauci, CDC, FDA, NIH, public confidence, political influence
