How a distrust of experts is shaping government policy under Trump

NPR | By Selena Simmons-Duffin,

Domenico Montanaro

Published August 8, 2025 at 4:17 PM EDT

President Trump and members of his administration have often expressed a distrust of science and experts. That distrust is now helping to shape policies in several areas of government, from vaccines and health care to trade and the economy.

NPR News

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Selena Simmons-Duffin reports on health policy for NPR.

See stories by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Domenico Montanaro

Domenico Montanaro is a senior political editor/correspondent for the Washington Desk

See stories by Domenico Montanaro

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Inside a 'modern slavery situation' where cyber scammers are victims themselves

Terry Gross

Wired's Andy Greenberg explains how a cybercrime operation in Southeast Asia trapped computer engineers into defrauding victims of billions of dollars. Plus, he discusses the scam involving Fresh Air.
Marking the 100th birthday of jazz great John Coltrane

Kevin Whitehead

Coltrane, who died in 1967 at age 40, was a comet who lit up the sky, constantly refining his saxophone style and technique alongside his composing, bandleading and advocacy for younger colleagues.
NPR News

This 'fire amoeba' pushes the limit of what's possible for complex life

Ari Daniel

Scientists have found a species they've named the fire amoeba, which is capable of reproducing at 145°F and continuing to move up to temperatures of 147°F — a record for complex eukaryotic life.
NPR News

Meet the future of the LA Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony

Tom Huizenga

As the classical concert season ramps up, two of America's finest orchestras will soon be led by new conductors when Daniel Harding takes over in Los Angeles and Elim Chan leads in San Francisco.
Lexington/Richmond

FCPS remains short $5.1M this school year. How you can track updates on district's correction plan

Jackie Starkey

Monday, the Fayette County Board of Education signed off on a corrective action plan laid out after an extensive investigation of the district's financial mismanagement.