The United States is confronting a convergence of crises, from election security concerns to disease outbreaks and environmental vulnerabilities.
Critics argue the Trump administration has actively hampered the federal government's ability to respond—and in some cases, worsened the problems.
Over the past year, the administration has reduced the federal workforce, rolled back climate protections, cut scientific research funding, and pushed legislation that could restrict voting.
This week, President Trump delivered a speech questioning U. S.
election integrity, while last week he appointed a climate science skeptic to oversee the government's key climate change report.
Election security under fire
Trump's downsizing efforts have hit agencies tasked with protecting elections.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency lost a third of its workforce due to staffing cuts, according to Democratic Senator Mark Warner.
The administration also proposed a $707 million budget cut for the agency, citing concerns over “weaponization and waste.”
Earlier this month, Trump removed the last three commissioners from an independent federal commission that helps states with election administration.
Other agencies tracking foreign election interference have also faced cuts: the FBI has lost up to 2,800 agents since January 2025, and the acting director of national intelligence fired dozens of staff members.
On his first day back in office, Trump pardoned about 1,500 people convicted or charged for the January 6 insurrection.
He has also spread conspiracy theories sympathetic to Tina Peters, a Colorado election clerk convicted of breaching election security.
Public health outbreaks worsen
Funding cuts have exacerbated disease outbreaks.
This summer, five states—including hard-hit Michigan—experienced one of the largest outbreaks of cyclospora, a parasite that causes weeks of “explosive” and watery diarrhea.
Public health officials said tracking was slowed by a lack of resources, following an $11.4 billion cut to state and local health departments and reduced coordination on foodborne illnesses.
The outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, but officials warn it could continue through August.
Meanwhile, the U. S.
is on track for another record year of measles cases in 2026, and some officials fear losing the country's measles elimination status, achieved in 2000.
The spread of new world screwworm, a parasitic fly harmful to livestock and wildlife, has also raised alarm.
Former officials told Politico that Trump's federal spending reviews delayed funding for a key facility and a $100 million research initiative to slow the insect's advance.
“We’ve already seen what happens when Donald Trump’s political appointees are put in charge of health and science funding – disaster ensues,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action.
“All of this was preventable – but it’s no surprise that Americans are getting sicker as Republicans continue to halt research and cut billions in funding for critical programs.”
