Public Health Under Threat

Understanding the threat to public health

Under the Trump administration, we have seen a slew of proposed public health policies that threaten to undermine decades of progress in protecting the health of individuals, families, and communities across the United States. 

These dangerous proposals jeopardize critical public health systems, weaken protections for vulnerable populations and risk worsening health inequities.
Learn more about how Project 2025 will impact public health

Hear the latest from APHA

House reconciliation bill would take insurance coverage away from millions and roll back clean air and climate protections

The reconciliation bill under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives would eliminate health coverage for more than 13 million individuals, including millions in the Medicaid program and millions more who currently receive coverage and premium subsidies through the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace. 

For Our Health statement on the FY2026 White House Discretionary Budget Proposal

For Our Health, an initiative of the American Public Health Association, condemns the Trump Administration’s FY2026 discretionary budget request as a profound threat to the nation’s health. 

Congress must reject The President’s dangerous FY 2026 budget request

The President’s FY 2026 Discretionary Budget Request, released today, continues the trend of actions that harm the health of communities across the nation, proposing devastating cuts to federal public health agencies including CDC, HRSA, NIH, SAMHSA, EPA and others.

Decimated public health systems, a depleted federal workforce and the deletion of safety nets that maintain the health security of America are all outcomes of President Trump’s first 100 days

In the first 100 days of Trump’s administration, we’ve witnessed the gutting of our public health systems, removal of data and spread of misinformation, making America less secure and healthy. 

APHA's role in defending public health

APHA is fighting back. We remain steadfast in our efforts to challenge harmful policies, advocate for evidence-based approaches and defend the well-being of all Americans. 

For Our Health

APHA launched a new initiative, ‘For Our Health,’ which builds on our longstanding commitment to champion optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. The members of For Our Health include former Secretaries of HHS, directors of the CDC, and former state health directors. 

Support for fired public health workers

To support those whose careers have been impacted by the increase in public health job losses, we've compiled a list of public health organizations and resources that provide job listings, professional development and networking opportunities in the public health sector.

APHA in the news

Learn more about all the ways APHA has spoken out in the media about these critical issues, including in The Hill, CNN, Politico, C-SPAN, ABC News, NBC News, Los Angeles Times, and more.

How you can help