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WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has removed the 2024 surgeon general’s advisory on gun violence from its website, prompting criticism from gun safety advocates and raising questions about the administration’s stance on the issue.
A link to the document, which declared gun violence a public health crisis, now leads to a “Page Not Found” message. HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon confirmed the removal, stating in an email to CNN that “HHS and the Office of the Surgeon General are complying with President Trump’s Executive Order on Protecting Second Amendment Rights.”
The advisory, released in June by Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, had called for stronger gun laws and increased research to address the issue. The removal comes as gun deaths remain a significant concern in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 46,728 firearm-related deaths in 2023, a slight decrease from the record high of 48,830 deaths in 2021.
Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, who served during the first Trump administration, defended gun violence prevention efforts. “If we care about kids and about making America healthy again, we have to address gun violence,” Adams stated, referencing a common phrase used by Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. He emphasized the high number of suicide-related firearm deaths, urging policymakers to “continue engaging with public health experts, law enforcement, and community leaders to develop evidence-based solutions that prioritize safety and well-being.” He specifically highlighted the need for suicide prevention, support for veterans, and expanded access to mental health resources like the 988 crisis lifeline.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which was established during the Biden administration, ceased operations in January.
Gun safety groups have strongly condemned the removal of the advisory. Emma Brown, executive director of Giffords, stated, “By removing this important public health advisory with lifesaving resources, President Trump has chosen to prioritize gun industry profits over protecting kids and families.” Brown pointed out that “guns have been the number one killer of American children and adolescents since 2020,” and reiterated that the understanding of gun violence as a public health crisis is supported by non-partisan health experts.
Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a New York-based family physician and former Fox News medical contributor, has not yet been scheduled for a confirmation hearing. Nesheiwat experienced personal tragedy as a child, losing her father in a gun accident.
For more information on gun violence, visit the American Public Health Association.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information. It is important to note that the political landscape and policy decisions can change rapidly. This article reflects the information available at the time of writing, and further developments may occur. Readers are encouraged to seek information from multiple reliable sources for a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
