Trump Administration Pauses Government Health Communications
January 22, 2025
The Trump administration on Tuesday directed federal health agencies to pause all external communications through Feb. 1, including social media, scientific reports, website updates and Federal Register notices.
According to the
Washington Post, which first reported the story, the order applies to staff within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health.
In a memo
obtained by CNN, Acting Health Secretary Dorothy Fink, MD, instructed employees to have all documents and communications reviewed and approved by a presidential appointee before issuing them. Fink also directed employees not to participate in any public speaking engagements without approval. Coordination with political appointees is also required before corresponding with Congress or governors.
Fink also stated that some exceptions would be made for communications affecting critical health, safety, environmental, financial or national security functions.
