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

Making sense of the buzzwords and protecting public health

You’ve probably heard the buzzwords — "Big Beautiful Bill," "Reconciliation," "FY 2025," "FY 2026," "Rescission Package." What do these terms mean, and how could they impact public health funding in your community?


APHA on key public health policy issues

Hear what APHA has to say about policy proposals that will impact public health.

Public health leaders urge court to protect Medicaid beneficiaries from harmful waivers in Indiana

The American Public Health Association, along with 67 leading deans and scholars in public health and health law, has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Monte Rose Jr., et al. v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., et al. The brief urges the court to affirm a lower court ruling that the federal government violated the law by allowing Indiana to continue to restrict Medicaid eligibility and coverage of services in its Section 1115 demonstration waiver.

Supreme Court intervenes to allow Trump’s unlawful reorganization of the Federal Government to continue as case proceeds

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted another emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance administration to stay the injunction two lower courts had approved in AFGE v. Trump that halted the unlawful reorganization of the federal government. The court’s decision permits the administration to continue with plans to restructure federal agencies using Agency Reductions in Force and Reorganization Plans, despite the absence of the required congressional authorization. The court specifically did not weigh in on the legality of the agency plans themselves. The case will continue and counsel are considering next steps.

APHA Joins Others to Sue HHS, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Unlawful, Unilateral Vaccine Changes

Today, the  American Public Health Association (APHA) joined the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Physicians (ACP), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), Massachusetts Public Health Alliance (MPHA), Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and a pregnant physician, in filing suit in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts to defend vaccine policy, and to put an end to the Secretary’s assault on science, public health and evidence-based medicine. 

The Reconciliation Act is not a victory for America

The passage of the reconciliation act is not a victory for America — and those who voted for it are not patriots and should be ashamed. This bill undermines our economic security by increasing our national debt to obscene levels.

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. 

APHA has been part of successful litigation and action challenging some of the biggest threats to public health. Read the latest testimony, comments and briefs and read all public letters to congress and federal agencies from APHA, including:

  • The House passed a budget reconciliation bill that would slash health coverage, food benefits and roll back environmental protections. APHA sent a letter to all members of the House urging them to oppose the bill and instead to work on legislation to expand health coverage, improve the nation’s public health system and strengthen and maintain important clean energy and clean air rules and programs. 
  • President’s FY 2026 proposed budget would eliminate or significantly cut critical public health programs and agencies. APHA issued a statement condemning the proposal and urging Congress to reject it and instead work on serious bipartisan appropriations bills that would protect and improve the public’s health.
  • Court rejects Trump administration request to pause APHA-backed lawsuit to stop illegal reorganization and RIFs at federal agencies. On April 28, APHA joined a coalition of nonprofits, unions and local governments in filing a complaint against the Trump administration’s massive unconstitutional federal agency reorganization and staff cuts across federal agencies. In the complaint, the groups tell the court that the president does not possess authority to reorganize, downsize, or otherwise transform the agencies of the federal government, unless and until Congress authorizes such action. 
  • Letter to HHS expresses concern about tobacco prevention efforts amid agency cuts. On May 21, APHA and 86 other organizations sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to express concern about the Trump administration’s reduction in force and unauthorized reorganization of federal agencies and the impact it will have on smoking prevention and cessation efforts. 

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