Trump’s CDC cuts could threaten chronic illness and national security, experts warn

Public health leaders worry proposed 53% CDC slash would weaken disease prevention and pose a national security risk

Donald Trump's budget would cut funding for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by 53%, eliminating 61 programs and laying off another 16% of health agency staff, according to a new report - moves that would drastically reduce disease prevention and fuel more chronic illness, public health leaders say.

We cannot lose this," said Joseph Kanter, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). This is crucial to the health of every person in every community across this country, whether they realize it or not."