Disappearing Data at the U.S. Federal Government

This article highlights the sudden removal and alteration of key health-related datasets by U.S. federal agencies during early 2025, particularly from the CDC and HHS. The authors document the disappearance of over 200 datasets, including those vital for studying maternal mortality, heart disease, and social vulnerability. The changes coincide with directives from the Trump administration targeting data perceived to support “gender ideology.” The article explores the implications of such data suppression for scientific research, public health policy, and democratic accountability. It warns that limiting access to government data can hinder innovation, reinforce monopolies, erode public trust, and function as a mechanism for enacting policy changes without legislative oversight

This article highlights the sudden removal and alteration of key health-related datasets by U.S. federal agencies during early 2025, particularly from the CDC and HHS. The authors document the disappearance of over 200 datasets, including those vital for studying maternal mortality, heart disease, and social vulnerability. The changes coincide with directives from the Trump administration targeting data perceived to support “gender ideology.” The article explores the implications of such data suppression for scientific research, public health policy, and democratic accountability. It warns that limiting access to government data can hinder innovation, reinforce monopolies, erode public trust, and function as a mechanism for enacting policy changes without legislative oversight