American kids are being poisoned by lead. Trump is letting it happen.

Milwaukee has been dealing with a lead poisoning crisis, resulting in the temporary closure of four schools and inspections at dozens of others. The issue emerged in January when a child at a school tested positive for high lead levels in their blood. Investigations revealed lead paint and dust in the school building, highlighting maintenance challenges due to limited resources. Most of Milwaukee’s school buildings were constructed before the lead paint ban in 1978. Lead, a neurotoxin harmful to children’s development, has been detected in nine public schools with four students testing positive for high lead levels. Although no severe cases have been reported, affected children are under observation, and some buildings have been closed for cleaning.

Milwaukee sought federal assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) but was denied due to restructuring that led to the layoff of CDC experts in April. Consequently, the city has been conducting its inspections and offering free blood testing clinics. Milwaukee officials replaced 10,000 lead water service lines and are looking for state or federal funding to address the remaining 55,000 lines. Without CDC experts, the city is navigating the health threat independently, which may become a common scenario as federal support diminishes.

Milwaukee’s Health Commissioner expressed concerns over the lack of federal expertise and support in handling health emergencies. The restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services has left local officials uncertain about federal resources for emerging health issues. The shift towards more responsibility on state and local governments without federal aid poses challenges in responding to health crises effectively. The situation in Milwaukee serves as a stark example of cities left to manage emergencies without federal assistance.