Democratic governors form a public health alliance in rebuke of Trump administration

A coalition of Democratic governors has announced the creation of a new alliance focused on improving public health coordination.

This initiative is intended to facilitate the sharing of vital data, communication regarding health threats, emergency preparedness, and public health policies. It also serves as a critique of the Trump administration, which they argue has fallen short in addressing public health needs.

“As the federal government informs states that they must fend for themselves, governors are coming together,” stated Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

This effort marks a new phase in the ongoing partisan dispute over public health strategies, intensified recently by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s advisorschoosing not to endorse Covid-19 vaccinations, leaving such decisions to individuals.

Andrew Nixon, a representative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, commented via email that Democratic governors, who enforced school closures and mask mandates during the pandemic, are the ones responsible for “eroding the public’s trust in public health.”

“The Trump administration and Secretary Kennedy are working to restore that trust by basing policies on sound scientific evidence rather than the political mishaps of the past,” Nixon added.

The initial members are exclusively Democrats

The Governors Public Health Alliance identifies itself as a “nonpartisan coordinating hub,” however, its founding members are exclusively Democrats, including governors from 14 states and Guam.

This group features leaders from prominent blue states like California and New York, as well as several governors who may be contending in the 2028 presidential race, including Gavin Newsom from California, JB Pritzker from Illinois, and Wes Moore from Maryland.

The concept of collaborative public health initiatives is not novel for Democratic governors. In previous years, theyformed regional coalitions to tackle pandemic issues during Trump’s presidency andinitiated new groups recently due to uncertainties regarding federal vaccine policies. States have also taken measures toensure access to Covid-19 vaccines.

The newly formed alliance is not meant to substitute existing efforts or the work already being coordinated by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, according to its founders.

A former CDC director is among the advisors

Dr. Mandy Cohen, who served as CDC director under President Joe Biden and previously led the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, is part of a bipartisan advisory group for the alliance.

<p“The CDC previously offered essential expertise and assistance,” she remarked. “With that support now diminished, it is crucial for states to exchange best practices and ensure cooperation, as health threats persist.”

Other initiatives are also emerging to attempt tofulfill functions once carried out by the CDC prior to theremoval of a previous director, along with other changes and budget cuts.

The Governors Public Health Alliance enjoys backing from GovAct, a nonpartisan, donor-supported organization that also advocates for democracy and addresses other significant issues, including reproductive rights.

— Geoff Mulvihill and Mike Stobbe