During the administration of Donald Trump, reports surfaced of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) being given lists of terms to avoid in official budget documents. This direction caused considerable controversy. The prohibited words allegedly included “fetus,” “transgender,” “diversity,” “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “science-based,” and “evidence-based.” For instance, rather than referencing “science-based” research, alternative phrasings were purportedly suggested.
The implications of such restrictions raised concerns about potential limitations on scientific communication and the integrity of data reporting. Critics argued that omitting key terms could skew research priorities, hinder the accurate portrayal of public health issues, and ultimately impact policy decisions. The avoidance of these words was seen by some as a reflection of broader political agendas influencing scientific discourse within government agencies. The historical context reveals a period marked by heightened scrutiny and political influence on scientific institutions.
