WHAT THE NEW AMERICA MEANS FOR HEALTHCARE
The new America is defined by deep skepticism and shifting expectations. Trust in institutions, once assumed, is now fragile. Nowhere is this clearer than in healthcare, where trust in government agencies is eroding, funding fights are escalating, and Americans are questioning their sources for reliable information and access to care.
In this new landscape, the relationship between the public, government and private healthcare providers is changing. Health agencies face budget cuts, vaccine policies remain divisive and federal support for medical research is uncertain. Yet, despite this distrust, Americans still expect oversight, still want safety, and still look for leadership — just not always from the same sources as before.
Majority trust the CDC to provide them with accurate public health information, something that has fallen since 2020
Percent who have a great deal + fair amount of trust in the CDC to provide them with accurate information about public health
Source: Axios/Ipsos COVID Index and Axios/Ipsos American Health Index
Source: Axios/Ipsos COVID Index and Axios/Ipsos American Health Index
Public trust is fractured, but oversight is still expected
Americans expect regulation, but they don’t fully trust the regulators. Ipsos polling shows that trust in the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Food and Drug Administration have dropped significantly since 2020, largely along partisan lines. More than half of Americans believe they were misled about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and masks, according to the March 2025 Axios/Ipsos American Health Index. Yet, 77% still believe it’s the government’s role — not individuals’ — to ensure medicine is safe.
While 56% of Americans say they support a smaller federal government, only 28% favor freezing funding for the NIH, CDC, or other public health agencies, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling. People want reform, but they don’t want to gut public health institutions entirely. This tension defines the new America — where skepticism is high, but expectations for oversight remain.
Tariffs affect pharmaceutical companies, too
The pharmaceutical industry is also grappling with the potential ramifications of Trump's proposed tariffs. While tariffs on Canada and Mexico have been met with indifference by the industry, tariffs impacting countries like Germany and Ireland could heavily disrupt pharmaceutical imports and drive up costs.
For an industry already navigating a complex landscape of consumer expectations and stakeholder dynamics, this new tariff environment necessitates strategic adaptability. In this climate of uncertainty, pharmaceutical companies must prioritize strategic adaptability, leveraging real-time data analysis and scenario planning to anticipate potential disruptions and adjust their business strategies accordingly.
The vaccine divide: COVID-19 vs. everything else
COVID-19 remains a polarizing issue, with Americans split on requiring healthcare workers to be vaccinated (47% support, 42% oppose). Yet, broader vaccine confidence remains intact — 72% oppose ending school vaccine mandates, according to the Axios/Ipsos poll.
The pandemic reshaped attitudes toward public health measures, making future vaccine policies far more contentious. The challenge ahead is not just scientific but political — requiring careful messaging to maintain confidence in essential vaccines while addressing lingering COVID-era skepticism.
For healthcare companies, trust is the new currency
With government trust eroding, healthcare companies have a chance to step in — but they should move carefully. Transparency isn’t optional; it’s an expectation. Companies should show the public how decisions are made and why their products can be trusted.
Pharmaceutical firms, in particular, can fill the trust gap — but they should engage consumers directly and transparently. Those that don’t adapt could face the same skepticism that has weakened public institutions.
Research and policy uncertainty will reshape the industry
Government-backed medical research faces an unpredictable future, with funding cuts and legal battles creating uncertainty. Companies dependent on federal grants must explore alternative funding sources — whether private investment, partnerships, or new research models.
The medical technology sector is facing its own set of challenges stemming from staff cuts at the FDA, specifically in departments responsible for research and approvals of medical devices. These cuts, part of a larger effort to shrink the federal workforce, are anticipated to prolong approval timelines for new medical devices, potentially hindering innovation. This changing regulatory landscape demands a renewed focus on operational agility and efficiency.
Medtech companies will need to adapt to these new timelines, potentially by streamlining their research and development processes or seeking alternative pathways for regulatory approval.
Meanwhile, the policy landscape remains volatile. Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act remain in political crosshairs. Healthcare companies must anticipate policy shifts and position themselves to adapt before new regulations take effect.
The impact of the Trump administration's policies on Medicare and Medicaid is intertwined with the administration's approach to funding for the Department of Health and Human Services. A significant portion of federal grants, including those supporting Medicaid, flow through HHS. The administration's efforts to reduce government spending and eliminate perceived fraud within these programs have raised concerns about potential disruptions to healthcare access for millions of Americans. This uncertainty surrounding healthcare funding requires a fundamental shift in how healthcare providers operate. Building resilience into their systems, diversifying their revenue streams, and advocating for their patients' needs will be critical for navigating this evolving policy landscape.
The future of healthcare: Who will earn public trust?
In the new America, healthcare is no longer just about medicine — it’s about trust. The future won’t be shaped solely by government policy but by those who actively earn the public’s confidence. Healthcare companies that move beyond corporate messaging and engage transparently will emerge as leaders. Those that don’t risk becoming just another institution the public no longer believes in.