A misinformed narrative is being used at HHS to attempt to trick the public into thinking that these cuts are about improving Americans’ health. Yet, one of the intents of authoritarian governments is to destroy independent science at government institutions and to silence academia. Science becomes a tool of state sponsored propaganda. Kennedy’s actions at HHS are merely one piece in President Trump’s overall plans to remake the global order, which threatens the USA’s role as the leader in science and global health.

Given Kennedy’s support for the gutting of the NIH, CDC, and FDA, alongside his espousal of unscientific treatments and theories, The Lancet joins Benjamin’s call for Kennedy’s resignation.

Medical journals should not expect to be spared by the Trump administration’s attack on science, nor should health institutions such as the NIH, the CDC, or academic medical centres. Science and medicine in the USA are being violently dismembered while the world watches. While the risks to civil servants and academics’ livelihoods are real and understandably frightening, bullies are only emboldened by acquiescence or indifference.