CDC and FDA Political Interference: Science Overridden for Political Messaging
Last updated
The Washington Post and New York Times documented a pattern of White House interference with CDC scientific publications. CDC reports in the MMWR — the agency's flagship peer-reviewed publication that had never previously been subject to political review — were reviewed and in some cases altered by Michael Caputo, a political appointee installed at HHS with no public health credentials. Caputo was later placed on leave after a Facebook video in which he accused CDC scientists of a 'resistance unit' against Trump. CDC Director Redfield testified that CDC school reopening guidance was replaced after Trump tweeted that it was 'very tough and expensive.' The FDA's hydroxychloroquine EUA and convalescent plasma approval were both accompanied by documented political pressure.
Overview
The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports had never, in the agency's history, been reviewed by political appointees before the Trump administration. A political appointee with no public health credentials began reviewing them in the summer of 2020 and requesting changes when the scientific findings contradicted presidential messaging.
This was during a pandemic.
What MMWR Is
The MMWR is the CDC's flagship scientific publication — peer-reviewed, authoritative, used by public health officials worldwide. Its independence from political interference was foundational to its scientific credibility. A political appointee installed to manage messaging for the administration reviewing it before publication is not a minor process change; it is the introduction of political criteria into scientific publication.
The Asymptomatic Testing Change
In August 2020, the CDC revised its testing guidance to no longer recommend testing for asymptomatic individuals exposed to the virus. This contradicted scientific consensus about controlling transmission. CDC Director Redfield later testified he was not notified of the change before it was published.
The change aligned with Trump's stated position that testing too many people made the numbers look bad.
Caputo's Departure
When the documentation became public, Caputo gave a Facebook video in which he accused CDC career scientists of running a "resistance unit" against Trump. He described the scientists as waiting for Biden to win the election before releasing their findings.
He was placed on indefinite leave. The interference had already occurred.
Timeline
Sequence of events
July 7, 2020
White House installs Caputo at HHS — no public health credentials
Michael Caputo, a former Russian communications consultant and Trump campaign adviser with no public health background, is installed as HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs with oversight of HHS communications including CDC.
August 1, 2020
CDC asymptomatic testing guidance reversed without Redfield's knowledge
CDC guidance is revised to no longer recommend testing for asymptomatic exposed individuals — a change Redfield later testified he was not notified about before publication and that contradicted scientific consensus.
September 11, 2020
Political review of MMWR reports documented
Reports from multiple CDC scientists and internal emails document that HHS political appointees were reviewing and requesting changes to MMWR scientific publications — a practice with no historical precedent at the agency.
September 13, 2020
Caputo Facebook video: CDC 'resistance unit' claim
Caputo posts a video accusing CDC scientists of forming a 'resistance unit' against Trump and saying CDC 'doesn't want America to get well' until after the election. He is placed on indefinite leave.
October 1, 2020
Emails documenting interference released
News organizations obtain emails from Caputo and Paul Alexander documenting specific requests to alter CDC reports to avoid contradicting Trump's messaging, including requests to add caveats and delay publications.
Sources
- ↑ Health Officials Say the White House Manipulated C.D.C. Reports on the Virus — The New York Times
- ↑ CDC scientists say political pressure from Trump officials compromised their work — The Washington Post
- ↑ Trump administration interference in CDC scientific publications — The Associated Press
- ↑ Emails Show Extent of Trump Administration Manipulation of C.D.C. Reports — The New York Times
Verification