The politicization of public health in the United States predates the COVID-19 pandemic by several decades, according to multiple experts and commentators. This trend has contributed to a loss of public trust in health agencies and scientific institutions, a problem exacerbated during the pandemic and linked to broader political polarization. Analysts argue that restoring public confidence requires the public health profession to return to its foundational principles, emphasizing evidence-based approaches over ideology and humility over hubris. The erosion of trust is also attributed to the politicization of scientific institutions during Donald Trump's presidency, which has had global repercussions on how scientific knowledge is produced and trusted. The pandemic further damaged the reputation of intellectuals and scholars who were perceived to have aligned with political propaganda, resulting in diminished influence and credibility.