The Trump administration’s approach to public health information could best be described as playing “peekaboo” with reality—hiding crucial data and hoping problems simply vanish. For decades, federal agencies have diligently conducted comprehensive surveys on critical issues like drug addiction and food insecurity. These studies, providing a vital understanding of the nation’s well-being, directly inform policies aimed at addressing these challenges. However, the current administration is actively cutting or canceling these crucial data-gathering exercises.
This strategy, reminiscent of an infantile game rather than responsible governance, fundamentally misunderstands how to address societal issues. As the COVID-19 pandemic starkly demonstrated, robust data collection, surveillance, and preparedness are indispensable for preventing and mitigating disasters. The statistical agencies and researchers who compile this information aren’t mere number crunchers; they act as front-line defenders against unforeseen crises.
The United States isn’t alone in neglecting this vital work. For several years, the UK’s Office for National Statistics has grappled with producing low-quality data and inaccurate statistics due to chronic underfunding. This trend highlights a broader, troubling disregard for the importance of data-driven decision-making.
The problem stems partly from the uninspiring public perception surrounding this field. Politicians rarely win elections by promising door-to-door surveys, and statisticians are unlikely to become overnight celebrities. Yet, this essential work deserves recognition and robust support. Governing without a clear understanding of the realities on the ground is a recipe for disaster. The United States is poised to learn this lesson the hard way as it willingly plunges into a future defined by ignorance and reactive measures instead of proactive solutions grounded in evidence.
