Official statements from CDC, FDA, NIH, or major news outlets

Trump Administration Halts CDC, FDA, NIH Communications Until February 1 Under Dorothy Fink's Directive

Jan 22, 2025, 01:38 PM

The Trump administration has instructed federal health agencies to pause all external communications until February 1, according to a memo obtained by multiple news outlets. This directive, issued by acting Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Dorothy Fink, affects agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The pause includes the issuance of health advisories, scientific reports, regulations, guidance, announcements, press releases, social media posts, and website updates. The memo allows for exceptions in cases of critical health, safety, environmental, financial, or national security functions, but these communications must still be reviewed by a political appointee. The move is part of a broader review by the new administration to ensure alignment with its policy objectives.