How a distrust of experts is shaping government policy under Trump

By Selena Simmons-Duffin,

Domenico Montanaro, Ari Shapiro

Published August 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM PDT

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.

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Politics

Selena Simmons-Duffin

Selena Simmons-Duffin reports on health policy for NPR.

Domenico Montanaro

Domenico Montanaro is NPR's senior political editor/correspondent. Based in Washington, D.C., his work appears on air and online delivering analysis of the political climate in Washington and campaigns. He also helps edit political coverage.

Ari Shapiro

Ari Shapiro has been one of the hosts of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine, since 2015. During his first two years on the program, listenership to All Things Considered grew at an unprecedented rate, with more people tuning in during a typical quarter-hour than any other program on the radio.