How a distrust of experts is shaping government policy under Trump

By Selena Simmons-Duffin,

Domenico Montanaro, Ari Shapiro

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.

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NPR News

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 flagship afternoon newsmagazine, since 2015. He has been a question on Jeopardy and an answer in the New York Times crossword puzzle. He has filed stories from above the Arctic Circle and aboard Air Force One, and he has covered wars in Iraq, Ukraine and Israel. His debut memoir, The Best Strangers In the World, was an instant New York Times bestseller. He has also performed as a singer in some of the world's most storied venues, from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.