Americans Trust Scientists Over Agency Leaders in Public Health, Poll Finds

Published March 9, 2026

A recent poll reveals that Americans have greater confidence in the career scientists working within federal health agencies than in the appointed leaders running those agencies. This finding reflects a growing mistrust in leadership at organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Confidence Levels in Scientists vs. Leaders

The Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania conducted the poll, which showed 67% of Americans expressing confidence in career scientists at federal health agencies. In contrast, only 43% expressed confidence in agency leaders. This disparity highlights concerns about the influence of political agendas on public health decision-making.

Distrust in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The poll as well indicated low confidence in Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with only 38% of respondents expressing trust in his leadership. This is particularly notable given Kennedy’s long-standing criticism of vaccines. Respondents were nearly four times more likely to accept vaccine guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics than from the CDC.

CDC Leadership and Controversial Recommendations

The CDC has operated for over a year without a permanent director, during which time Secretary Kennedy and others have approved controversial vaccine recommendations made by the agency’s advisory committee, or altered recommendations without the panel’s input.

HHS Response and Broader Trends

An HHS spokesperson stated that Secretary Kennedy was nominated to “restore credibility through transparency, gold-standard science, and accountability.” The spokesperson also noted that public trust in U.S. Public health declined from 72% to 40% between 2020 and 2024, a trend that predates the current administration. Though, authors of a 2024 review published in JAMA Network Open linked declining public trust to the politicization of public health during the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of misinformation about vaccines.

Shifting Public Trust

The Annenberg poll shows a recent improvement in public trust in the CDC, FDA, and NIH, rising from 74%-76% in 2024 to 67% in February 2025, and further to 60%-62% in 2026. This shift coincides with the beginning of the current administration.

Continued Trust in Primary Care Physicians

Despite concerns about federal health agencies, the poll revealed that 86% of respondents expressed confidence in their doctor, nurse, or other primary health care professional. Experts emphasize the importance of this continued trust in individual healthcare providers.

“The reassuring component of it is the fact that 86% still trust their primary care provider,” said J. Glenn Morris Jr., MD, MPH&TM, professor and former director of the Emerging Pathogens Institute at University of Florida. “It’s nice to notice that, despite all of the stuff going on, people still trust their doctors.”

Key Takeaways

• Americans generally trust the scientists *within* federal health agencies more than the political leaders running them.
• Confidence in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is low, particularly regarding vaccine guidance.
• Trust in primary care physicians remains high.
• Public trust in federal health agencies has fluctuated in recent years, influenced by political factors and public health crises.

For more information:

Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, can be reached at infectiousdisease@healio.com.

J. Glenn Morris Jr., MD, MPH & TM, can be reached at infectiousdisease@healio.com.

Source: Press Release