CDC Favorability Rating Hits Record Low of 26 Percent

Public approval for the federal health agency has dropped significantly since 2019.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in COVID-19

CDC Favorability Rating Hits Record Low of 26 Percent

Live Poll

Do you still trust the CDC to provide reliable and accurate public health guidance?

Public opinion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reached an all-time low of 26 percent in October 2026. This downward trend marks a sharp decline from the 64 percent positive rating the agency held in 2019.

Why it matters

The agency has become the focal point of intense political contention over the last six years. Recent changes, including an overhaul of leadership and narrowed routine vaccine recommendations under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have further influenced public perception.

Only 26 percent of Americans rate the CDC as excellent or good, while 44 percent now view its performance as poor. By comparison, the FDA currently holds a 25 percent positive rating, while the U.S. Postal Service and NASA maintain higher marks of 58 percent and 53 percent respectively.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

He serves as the Health Secretary who oversaw the recent overhaul of agency leadership and the narrowing of routine vaccine recommendations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

It is the national public health institute of the United States tasked with protecting public health and safety.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States.

The details

Political division remains a factor, with 32 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents currently viewing the agency favorably. Approval among Democrats has also fluctuated, falling 31 percentage points between 2024 and 2025, followed by another 14-point drop in 2026.

In 2019, 64 percent of respondents rated the agency positively.
By 2021, positive ratings for the agency fell to 40 percent.
Republicans rated the CDC at 19 percent favorability in 2024.
President Trump returned to the White House in 2025.
Public opinion of the CDC hit a record low in October 2026.

Health Landscape

This decline tracks the shift in public confidence relative to the 2019 CDC public favorability rating. The current polling results reflect a departure from the historical trust levels previously held by the federal health institution.

The shift in agency trust may affect how individuals perceive and adopt federal health guidance or recommended medical treatments. Residents should monitor official communication as the agency continues to implement changes to its vaccination strategies and leadership priorities.

The takeaway

Public trust in federal health agencies has experienced a sharp decline as political tensions impact institutional perception. Individuals may need to rely on a variety of health resources as official guidelines undergo ongoing modifications.