Trump’s War on Measurement Means Losing Data on Drug Use, Maternal Mortality, Climate Change and More

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Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4. Mental health treatment for adults in 2023 increased by 3.4 million compared to the previous year. The number of migrants from Mexico and northern Central American countries stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2022 was surpassed by migrants from other nations.

The federal government collects, organizes, and shares data that underpins decision-making at all government levels, informs business leaders, school administrators, and medical providers nationwide. The survival of this data is now uncertain due to the Department of Government Efficiency’s assault on the federal bureaucracy.

The cuts have focused on data collection and sharing, affecting the government’s ability to measure American society’s functioning. Several data collection efforts have been halted or are at risk, impacting crucial areas such as health, immigration enforcement, environmental protection, and education.

The reduction in data collection efforts raises concerns about the administration’s transparency and accountability. The loss of crucial data may hinder evidence-based decision-making and accountability for results in the future.