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Washington D.C., January 25, 2025 – In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration has put a freeze on the release of health-related information from government agencies. This decision affects a wide range of public communications, including regulations, guidance, press releases, social media updates, and website posts from major health organizations.
The freeze was revealed through a memo obtained by the Associated Press, which outlines that the newly elected administration is requiring all information to undergo review by appointed officials before being made public. This includes communications from agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dorothy Fink, informed agency leaders that the pause will remain in effect until February 1, 2025. The freeze also applies to critical publications like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a key CDC journal, and content typically published in the Federal Register.
Fink clarified that there will be exceptions for communications deemed vital to health, safety, environmental, financial, or national security concerns. However, the freeze is expected to delay the dissemination of critical information across a range of health-related topics.
This decision has sparked conversations in the health community, as former Health and Human Services (HHS) officials suggest that while it is common for incoming administrations to review agency communications, this level of delay is unusual. Typically, information flow is smoother by Inauguration Day, handled by the president’s transition team.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on a memo obtained from the Associated Press. The situation described is subject to change as new developments occur. For up-to-date details, please refer to the official communications from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sources: Associated Press, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
