Past editors of MMWR and prior leaders of CDC lamented the lack of publication, and its potential impact on the distribution of vital public health information. "This is a concerning precedent that public health messages won't be left to public health professionals and experts,

The Trump administration told federal public health agencies like the CDC that they are not to communicate health messages for now. The hold includes memos, reports, online posts, website updates and other forms of communication. Scientific meetings were also canceled for the time being, including of advisory panels.