A message to our readers about the attack on public health
By Nick Valencia | August 12, 2025
ATLANTA— The CDC was once among the most respected public-health institutions in the world. Its reputation was so strong that agencies abroad have adopted its name — attaching “CDC” to their own titles in a nod to its prestige. And yet here at home, that same institution has been diminished, even mocked. That’s not just baffling. It’s shameful.
The consequences are not abstract. They are fatal. A police officer in Atlanta died protecting the CDC, an institution that was supposed to be above the political fray. Scientists who once did their work quietly, without fanfare, have been pulled into a spotlight they never sought — targeted by conspiracy theorists, vilified by people who would rather spread misinformation than accept evidence.
Last Friday was a flashpoint — not just for me, but for my household — to see the lies and misinformation pushed by people who claim to act in good faith. This wasn’t some harmless internet chatter. We’ve now reached a point where anti-vaxxers have shown up with guns to target public health professionals.
I was there on the front lines during the first Trump administration, covering the tension between the CDC and the White House as the pandemic took hold. I saw, up close, how politics could warp science — and how the effects of those decisions would echo for years. Think about it. One of the greatest accomplishments in human history was getting our COVID-19 vaccines. Something President Trump achieved with Operation Warp Speed. So then why does he never take credit for it? It’s not humility. It’s politics.
We are living with those echoes now.
I knew I’d eventually expand my independent reporting beyond immigration to public health. There’s a through line. In both cases, fear is weaponized. In both cases, vulnerable communities pay the highest price. I’ve heard stories in Utah of pregnant women skipping prenatal care for fear they’ll be detained. Of cancer patients avoiding treatment because the hospital — once a designated safe space — now feels like a risk. Public health fails when trust collapses, and trust collapses when institutions are dismantled from within.
My sources in public health are people who don’t do this work for recognition. They do it because they care about saving lives. And they are up against a movement willing to trade science for politics, research for rumor.
The truth matters. The stakes are high. And this is where we are expanding our coverage next.
Dear Nick, the man who shot at the CDC was mentally unstable. NO question about it. Nowever, the true lies and minsinformation came from our former CDC and NIH "leaders". They pushed an unknown "vaccine" on many people, - to make make lots of money. In the the Process they have have caused many serious issue on people Around the world. If you would like fureter information, I am happy to set you in the right direction. I have follow this closely for the past five years. "Last Friday was a flashpoint — not just for me, but for my household — to see the lies and misinformation pushed by people who claim to act in good faith. This wasn’t some harmless internet chatter. We’ve now reached a point where anti-vaxxers have shown up with guns to target public health professionals." I am sorry but you are parking up the wrong tree. I know you mean well. Please don't lump everyone into "ant---vaxxers, most of want due diligence and Safety Studies. With great respect, Erin Quinn