Amy Maxmen, PhD
@amymaxmen.bsky.social
Award-winning public health reporter at KFF Health News. Bylines at Nature, New York Times, National Geographic & more. AmyM@kff.org Signal: AmyMaxmen.25 www.amymaxmen.com & https://kffhealthnews.org/news/author/amy-maxmen
Pinned
Wielding Obscure Budget Tools, Trump’s ‘Reaper’ Vought Sows Turmoil in Public Health - KFF Health News
Through shrouded bureaucratic maneuvers, White House budget director Russell Vought and DOGE have quietly upended outbreak response, HIV treatment, and dementia care in communities across America.
kffhealthnews.org
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
Can confirm that my NSF grant "How False Beliefs Form & How to Correct Them" was cancelled today because it is "not in alignment with current NSF priorities" Shocking that understanding how people are misled by false information is now a forbidden topic. Our work will continue but at a smaller scale
NSF has posted an “update on priorities.”
They’re canceling all “DEI and misinformation/disinformation” grants.
And the guidance on how to fulfill the longstanding, legally mandated Broadening Participation requirement is utterly incoherent.
www.nsf.gov/updates-on-p...
They’re canceling all “DEI and misinformation/disinformation” grants.
And the guidance on how to fulfill the longstanding, legally mandated Broadening Participation requirement is utterly incoherent.
www.nsf.gov/updates-on-p...
Updates on NSF Priorities
www.nsf.gov
April 18, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Can confirm that my NSF grant "How False Beliefs Form & How to Correct Them" was cancelled today because it is "not in alignment with current NSF priorities" Shocking that understanding how people are misled by false information is now a forbidden topic. Our work will continue but at a smaller scale
A profound analysis of DNA co-discoverer Jim Watson. Best piece of science writing I've seen in a long time.
"To remain on the stage and keep receiving what he viewed as his due, he therefore needed a new act."
By the late Sharon Begley @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
"To remain on the stage and keep receiving what he viewed as his due, he therefore needed a new act."
By the late Sharon Begley @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:01 PM
A profound analysis of DNA co-discoverer Jim Watson. Best piece of science writing I've seen in a long time.
"To remain on the stage and keep receiving what he viewed as his due, he therefore needed a new act."
By the late Sharon Begley @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
"To remain on the stage and keep receiving what he viewed as his due, he therefore needed a new act."
By the late Sharon Begley @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Wielding Obscure Budget Tools, Trump’s ‘Reaper’ Vought Sows Turmoil in Public Health - KFF Health News
Through shrouded bureaucratic maneuvers, White House budget director Russell Vought and DOGE have quietly upended outbreak response, HIV treatment, and dementia care in communities across America.
kffhealthnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:37 PM
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
“Public health efforts have been esp caught up in red tape, since many focus on pops bearing an unequal burden of death, disease,& injury….
For ex, …the head of a MS nonprofit, said officials asked her to defend the exclusion of men from a prgm to shelter women who experienced domestic violence.”🛟🧪
For ex, …the head of a MS nonprofit, said officials asked her to defend the exclusion of men from a prgm to shelter women who experienced domestic violence.”🛟🧪
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Wielding Obscure Budget Tools, Trump’s ‘Reaper’ Vought Sows Turmoil in Public Health - KFF Health News
Through shrouded bureaucratic maneuvers, White House budget director Russell Vought and DOGE have quietly upended outbreak response, HIV treatment, and dementia care in communities across America.
kffhealthnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:41 PM
“Public health efforts have been esp caught up in red tape, since many focus on pops bearing an unequal burden of death, disease,& injury….
For ex, …the head of a MS nonprofit, said officials asked her to defend the exclusion of men from a prgm to shelter women who experienced domestic violence.”🛟🧪
For ex, …the head of a MS nonprofit, said officials asked her to defend the exclusion of men from a prgm to shelter women who experienced domestic violence.”🛟🧪
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Wielding Obscure Budget Tools, Trump’s ‘Reaper’ Vought Sows Turmoil in Public Health - KFF Health News
Through shrouded bureaucratic maneuvers, White House budget director Russell Vought and DOGE have quietly upended outbreak response, HIV treatment, and dementia care in communities across America.
kffhealthnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:37 PM
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
This piece by @amymaxmen.bsky.social captures well Vought's tactics of "incremental chaos," or as a CDC official describes it: "We are seeing the admin get their way with or without an approved budget...It's such a terrible shame to play with people's health this way." abcnews.go.com/Health/red-t...
Red tape and budget constraints: How the White House is undercutting public health
Through shrouded bureaucratic maneuvers, White House budget director Russell Vought and DOGE have quietly undercut outbreak response, HIV treatment and dementia care.
abcnews.go.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:01 AM
This piece by @amymaxmen.bsky.social captures well Vought's tactics of "incremental chaos," or as a CDC official describes it: "We are seeing the admin get their way with or without an approved budget...It's such a terrible shame to play with people's health this way." abcnews.go.com/Health/red-t...
Two and a half years after the NYT explicitly attempted to add trans reporters to the paper, the efforts never resulted in a hire.
"This leaves an open question: Why?" writes the former NYT editor tapped to recruit.
@assignedmedia.org www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
"This leaves an open question: Why?" writes the former NYT editor tapped to recruit.
@assignedmedia.org www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Bias at NYT: Trans Former Employee Speaks Out — Assigned
Billie Sweeney is a trans journalist who was an editor for the New York Times until last year. Here, she recalls her losing battle for the soul of the paper of record.
www.assignedmedia.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Two and a half years after the NYT explicitly attempted to add trans reporters to the paper, the efforts never resulted in a hire.
"This leaves an open question: Why?" writes the former NYT editor tapped to recruit.
@assignedmedia.org www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
"This leaves an open question: Why?" writes the former NYT editor tapped to recruit.
@assignedmedia.org www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
Why are so many people being pushed into homelessness?
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
NLIHC (@nlihc.org)
#FOTW: In 18 States, Renters Must Earn More Than $30 an Hour to Afford A Two-Bedroom Apartment at Fair Market Rent
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Why are so many people being pushed into homelessness?
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
☑️ Nearly half of all U.S. workers now earn less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment.
☑️ In CA, workers must earn nearly $50 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.
🧵My latest:
An inside look at how the Trump admin has deployed shrouded budgetary maneuvers to undercut outbreak response, HIV treatment, dementia care & more across America.
“No one thought this was possible or legal, but that is what’s happening."
abcnews.go.com/Health/red-t...
An inside look at how the Trump admin has deployed shrouded budgetary maneuvers to undercut outbreak response, HIV treatment, dementia care & more across America.
“No one thought this was possible or legal, but that is what’s happening."
abcnews.go.com/Health/red-t...
Red tape and budget constraints: How the White House is undercutting public health
Through shrouded bureaucratic maneuvers, White House budget director Russell Vought and DOGE have quietly undercut outbreak response, HIV treatment and dementia care.
abcnews.go.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:51 PM
🧵My latest:
An inside look at how the Trump admin has deployed shrouded budgetary maneuvers to undercut outbreak response, HIV treatment, dementia care & more across America.
“No one thought this was possible or legal, but that is what’s happening."
abcnews.go.com/Health/red-t...
An inside look at how the Trump admin has deployed shrouded budgetary maneuvers to undercut outbreak response, HIV treatment, dementia care & more across America.
“No one thought this was possible or legal, but that is what’s happening."
abcnews.go.com/Health/red-t...
Feel the magic ✨💫
November 4, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Feel the magic ✨💫
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
The new American oligarchy is here.
The wealthiest 1% gained 987× more wealth per household than the poorest 20%.
Proud of my Oxfam colleagues for exposing this inequality emergency, and calling for an economy that works for the many, not the wealthy few.
#TheFutureIsEqual
The wealthiest 1% gained 987× more wealth per household than the poorest 20%.
Proud of my Oxfam colleagues for exposing this inequality emergency, and calling for an economy that works for the many, not the wealthy few.
#TheFutureIsEqual
"The data confirms what people across our nation already know instinctively: the new American oligarchy is here." -
@abbymaxman.bsky.social speaks about our newest report on the drastic growth of inequality in the U.S: www.forbes.com/sites/josiec...
@abbymaxman.bsky.social speaks about our newest report on the drastic growth of inequality in the U.S: www.forbes.com/sites/josiec...
Income Inequality Is Surging In The U.S., New Oxfam Report Shows
The richest 1% of households have accumulated almost 1,000 times more wealth than the poorest 20% over the last three and a half decades.
www.forbes.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:56 PM
The new American oligarchy is here.
The wealthiest 1% gained 987× more wealth per household than the poorest 20%.
Proud of my Oxfam colleagues for exposing this inequality emergency, and calling for an economy that works for the many, not the wealthy few.
#TheFutureIsEqual
The wealthiest 1% gained 987× more wealth per household than the poorest 20%.
Proud of my Oxfam colleagues for exposing this inequality emergency, and calling for an economy that works for the many, not the wealthy few.
#TheFutureIsEqual
An excellent breakdown of the new "study" linking vaccines to autism @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social
"We manually reviewed every single one of the 308 references...the list is essentially a sea of red flags." theunbiasedscipod.substack.com/p/anti-vacci...
"We manually reviewed every single one of the 308 references...the list is essentially a sea of red flags." theunbiasedscipod.substack.com/p/anti-vacci...
Anti-Vaccine Mad Libs: The McCullough Foundation’s “Landmark” Report
Same recycled claims, shiny new packaging
theunbiasedscipod.substack.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:46 PM
An excellent breakdown of the new "study" linking vaccines to autism @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social
"We manually reviewed every single one of the 308 references...the list is essentially a sea of red flags." theunbiasedscipod.substack.com/p/anti-vacci...
"We manually reviewed every single one of the 308 references...the list is essentially a sea of red flags." theunbiasedscipod.substack.com/p/anti-vacci...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
This is happening much more frequently than people think. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Opinion | My Bosses Were Afraid of Crossing Trump. So, I Quit.
A veteran journalist opens up on the censorship that he says led to his resignation.
www.politico.com
October 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
This is happening much more frequently than people think. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Gates' redirected approach to climate change makes sense IMO. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/c...
The US is cutting aid while the planet keeps getting hotter. People need immediate solutions for floods, heat, fires. I wish it were mitigation & adaptation but if my house was underwater...
The US is cutting aid while the planet keeps getting hotter. People need immediate solutions for floods, heat, fires. I wish it were mitigation & adaptation but if my house was underwater...
October 28, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Gates' redirected approach to climate change makes sense IMO. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/c...
The US is cutting aid while the planet keeps getting hotter. People need immediate solutions for floods, heat, fires. I wish it were mitigation & adaptation but if my house was underwater...
The US is cutting aid while the planet keeps getting hotter. People need immediate solutions for floods, heat, fires. I wish it were mitigation & adaptation but if my house was underwater...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
Nothing can prepare you for the factual basis behind this 'wokeness gone too far' anecdote.
October 28, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Nothing can prepare you for the factual basis behind this 'wokeness gone too far' anecdote.
The premier journal Nature long favored research from white, male scientists. Its mission statement in 1870: "to aid Scientific men."
That meant missing out on excellent research. It's tried to recognize other voices in recent years.
Here comes the backlash. www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
That meant missing out on excellent research. It's tried to recognize other voices in recent years.
Here comes the backlash. www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
Nature journal accused of abandoning science for social justice
The publisher has defended its efforts to boost the diversity of researchers after it came under attack from Richard Dawkins and other academics
www.thetimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:55 PM
The premier journal Nature long favored research from white, male scientists. Its mission statement in 1870: "to aid Scientific men."
That meant missing out on excellent research. It's tried to recognize other voices in recent years.
Here comes the backlash. www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
That meant missing out on excellent research. It's tried to recognize other voices in recent years.
Here comes the backlash. www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
I wish they said explicitly that there's $5 billion in emergency reserves they're refusing to use instead they're happy to let people - mostly children, the disabled, and elderly, starve.
US Department of Agriculture says no food aid benefits will be issued next month reut.rs/3WohHMk
US Department of Agriculture says no food aid benefits will be issued next month
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Saturday that food benefits under one of the country's biggest social assistance programs will not be issued next month amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
reut.rs
October 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
I wish they said explicitly that there's $5 billion in emergency reserves they're refusing to use instead they're happy to let people - mostly children, the disabled, and elderly, starve.
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
CMS head Mehmet Oz said new technology will allow Medicaid enrollees to verify their incomes “within seven minutes” for upcoming work mandates. What have two pilot tests of the tech in Arizona and Louisiana shown so far? Not much. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Officials Show Little Proof That New Tech Will Help Medicaid Enrollees Meet Work Rules - KFF Health News
The Trump administration says it’s developing a digital tool to help people prove they’re meeting new Medicaid work requirements. KFF Health News talked to officials from the two states running pilot ...
kffhealthnews.org
October 23, 2025 at 5:14 PM
CMS head Mehmet Oz said new technology will allow Medicaid enrollees to verify their incomes “within seven minutes” for upcoming work mandates. What have two pilot tests of the tech in Arizona and Louisiana shown so far? Not much. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Nearly 1 in 7 students in NYC experienced homelessness last school year. In some neighborhoods, more than 1 in 5 school children were homeless.
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
154,000 New York City Students Were Homeless Last Year, a Record Number
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Nearly 1 in 7 students in NYC experienced homelessness last school year. In some neighborhoods, more than 1 in 5 school children were homeless.
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
This is an emergency.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/n...
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
Federal workers in public health, Amy Maxmen is a brilliant, seasoned, and sensitive reporter. You can have absolute confidence in her.
(Reach out *non-work* devices/networks/WiFi.)
(Reach out *non-work* devices/networks/WiFi.)
I'd love to hear from anyone who has been at agencies protecting public health this year (eg CDC, HHS, HRSA, HUD, NIH, OSHA). Privacy respected. Signal is AmyMaxmen.25
🧵Here's a thread of some of my stories this year on the impact of the Trump administration on America's public health.
🧵Here's a thread of some of my stories this year on the impact of the Trump administration on America's public health.
Hi! I'm a public health reporter moving from THERE to here. Give me a follow if you're interested in my writing & take:
Public health isn't only about outbreaks & vaccines. It's about making society healthier outside of clinics. It requires systemic change, equity, a belief in the common good.
Public health isn't only about outbreaks & vaccines. It's about making society healthier outside of clinics. It requires systemic change, equity, a belief in the common good.
October 11, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Federal workers in public health, Amy Maxmen is a brilliant, seasoned, and sensitive reporter. You can have absolute confidence in her.
(Reach out *non-work* devices/networks/WiFi.)
(Reach out *non-work* devices/networks/WiFi.)
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
The leadership of the measles outbreak response was fired in the RIF spree while RFK JR attempts to completely dismantle measles vaccine access for children.
October 11, 2025 at 2:57 PM
The leadership of the measles outbreak response was fired in the RIF spree while RFK JR attempts to completely dismantle measles vaccine access for children.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has been at agencies protecting public health this year (eg CDC, HHS, HRSA, HUD, NIH, OSHA). Privacy respected. Signal is AmyMaxmen.25
🧵Here's a thread of some of my stories this year on the impact of the Trump administration on America's public health.
🧵Here's a thread of some of my stories this year on the impact of the Trump administration on America's public health.
Hi! I'm a public health reporter moving from THERE to here. Give me a follow if you're interested in my writing & take:
Public health isn't only about outbreaks & vaccines. It's about making society healthier outside of clinics. It requires systemic change, equity, a belief in the common good.
Public health isn't only about outbreaks & vaccines. It's about making society healthier outside of clinics. It requires systemic change, equity, a belief in the common good.
October 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM
I'd love to hear from anyone who has been at agencies protecting public health this year (eg CDC, HHS, HRSA, HUD, NIH, OSHA). Privacy respected. Signal is AmyMaxmen.25
🧵Here's a thread of some of my stories this year on the impact of the Trump administration on America's public health.
🧵Here's a thread of some of my stories this year on the impact of the Trump administration on America's public health.
Reposted by Amy Maxmen, PhD
ICE left David, a 17-year-old boy, stranded on the side of Interstate 20 after pulling over his immigrant father, Hector, in Mississippi.
David began running in the scorching sun after the car and watched as it disappeared from sight—soon headed to a Louisiana ICE prison.
Here's their story.
David began running in the scorching sun after the car and watched as it disappeared from sight—soon headed to a Louisiana ICE prison.
Here's their story.
ICE Stranded a 17-Year-Old on I-20 After Arresting His Father. The Mississippi Dad Now Faces Deportation.
A 17-year-old watched as ICE arrested his immigrant father, Hector, on I-20 in June. The family faces mounting legal fees and the risk of deportation.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 10, 2025 at 11:58 PM
ICE left David, a 17-year-old boy, stranded on the side of Interstate 20 after pulling over his immigrant father, Hector, in Mississippi.
David began running in the scorching sun after the car and watched as it disappeared from sight—soon headed to a Louisiana ICE prison.
Here's their story.
David began running in the scorching sun after the car and watched as it disappeared from sight—soon headed to a Louisiana ICE prison.
Here's their story.
The Trump admin is in the midst of laying off 1,100-1,200 HHS staff. The CDC's outbreak responders, gone. The office producing CDC's weekly journal MMWR is gone. CDC staff securing sensitive data, gone. Worker safety, gone. Immunization group, gone.
Instead, Congress watches RFK "make the proof"
Instead, Congress watches RFK "make the proof"
RFK Jr on Tylenol and autism: "It is not proof. We're doing the studies to make the proof."
October 11, 2025 at 1:36 PM
The Trump admin is in the midst of laying off 1,100-1,200 HHS staff. The CDC's outbreak responders, gone. The office producing CDC's weekly journal MMWR is gone. CDC staff securing sensitive data, gone. Worker safety, gone. Immunization group, gone.
Instead, Congress watches RFK "make the proof"
Instead, Congress watches RFK "make the proof"