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Significant cuts to US public health funding under the Trump administration are severely weakening state and local health departments. $11 billion in federal support was eliminated, resulting in 20,000 job losses at national health agencies. This impacts critical services like disease surveillance, outbreak response, and preventative programs. Experts warn this leaves the nation vulnerable to future health crises and undermines routine public health efforts, despite cost-effectiveness demonstrated by existing programs. Further budget cuts are proposed, potentially halving the CDC's budget and further jeopardizing public health infrastructure.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.