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CDC scientists' papers pulled for administrative review

February 3, 2025

CDC has ordered the withdrawal of all scientific manuscripts involving its researchers from external journals to allow for review by the Trump administration. This directive, communicated via email on January 31 from the CDC's chief science officer, affects all papers written or co-written by CDC scientists. The review aims to ensure compliance with new administrative guidelines recognizing only two sexes.

The Inside Medicine Substack, which first reported on the withdrawal, published a list of words targeted for removal, including "gender," "transgender," "LGBT," and "nonbinary." According to a federal official, this list was distributed to CDC divisions.

The order requires CDC scientists to remove their names from papers originating outside the agency if they are co-authors. Public health experts warn that removing such terms threatens their ability to address various medical needs, including those related to HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

Sources:

Burman, T. (2025, February 3). Newsweek. Donald Trump to review scientific papers from CDC before publication: report. https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-review-cdc-papers-report-2025000

Steenhuysen, J, et al. (2025, February 3). Reuters. CDC orders pullback of new scientific papers involving its researchers, source says. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-cdc-orders-pullback-new-scientific-papers-involving-its-researchers-source-2025-02-02/