The news: Americans’ trust in federal health agencies and political leaders continues to erode, leaving most confused about what to believe—and wanting clearer guidance, per the latest Axios/Ipsos American Health Index. Ipsos surveyed 1,125 US adults earlier this month.

By the numbers: Consumer trust in the CDC fell to 54%, down from 60% since the last survey wave in June. Trust in the FDA dropped to 52%, down from 55%.

Only 28% of Americans trust President Trump on health topics, down from 29% in the last survey. Similarly, 28% currently trust health information from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., down from 31% in June.

Just 19% of respondents say Trump’s and Kennedy’s healthcare policies have made the country healthier, while 41% think the country is less healthy as a result. More than one-third (36%) say their policies haven’t made much impact on people’s health.

Zooming out: Most Americans are unsure what to believe when it comes to public health guidance.

• 78% agree it’s confusing to follow public health recommendations.
• 91% want clearer food safety guidelines.
• 87% want easier-to-understand vaccine recommendations.
• 70% support stronger US food safety inspections.

Yes, but: Consumers still trust people they know. 86% trust their personal doctors and 61% trust family and close friends for health advice, per the survey.

The takeaway: Federal agency staffing cuts, shifting vaccine guidance, and the glut of unreliable health information on social media have fragmented Americans’ health trust. But trust hasn’t completely disappeared; it’s just gone local.

Consumers still believe their doctors and families, creating an opportunity for healthcare and pharma brands to deliver clear, credible information through those trusted messengers. Create simple, empathetic communications like digital resource guides for doctors to give patients, plain-language medication explainers, or physician-aimed health videos on social media.

Go deeper with our Consumer Distrust in Healthcare 2025 report.

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