KFF Poll Finds That Most Adults Lack Confidence in Key Health Agencies to Act Independently – The Monitor

A report released on May 14, 2026, from the KFF Health Tracking Poll indicates that public confidence in the independence of key government health agencies is low. These agencies are responsible for overseeing public health as well as the safety of food and drugs, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The findings show that this lack of confidence in government independence is a widespread sentiment that persists across different partisan groups.

This distrust extends to the private sector, with a majority of the public expressing doubt that pharmaceutical, food, and agriculture companies act in the best interest of the public.

In contrast to the low trust levels directed at government agencies and corporate entities, the public continues to place significantly more trust in health care providers and doctors.

Information Environment and Vaccine Attitudes

The May 14, 2026, edition of The Monitor further examines the relationship between news consumption and public health perceptions. Specifically, the analysis explores how the information environment in which individuals consume news may influence their attitudes toward vaccines.

This investigation into the news media environment is particularly relevant to public health efforts regarding vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles.