As the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States continues to rise, surpassing 2.3 million cases as of June 23, the Trump administration is taking aim at the CDC as a possible scapegoat. The administration is reportedly weighing whether to launch an in-depth evaluation of the agency to find and highlight perceived missteps in the fight against the pandemic, Politico reported.
The investigation would focus on the state-by-state death toll to look at how many Americans died from COVID-119 directly, rather than other factors, according to the report, which was based on interviews with 10 current and former senior administration officials and White House Republicans.
Trump has already criticized the World Health Organization, promising to withdraw the U.S. from the international organization. However, creating a “boogeyman” out of the CDC to shift the blame of the COVID-19 response in the U.S. away from Trump may be more challenging, according to one former administration official cited in Politico’s story. Actions to criticize and blame career health officials could backfire.
A White House official told Politico after publication of its story that an investigation is not intended to mire the CDC, but ensuring data is accurate and verified.
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Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."