Trump reportedly won't let the CDC say 'evidence-based' or 'science-based'

The White House has directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to avoid using seven words and phrases in agency documents, The Washington Post reported Friday evening. The ban list is comprised of "vulnerable," "entitlement," "diversity," "transgender," "fetus," "evidence-based," and "science-based." In place of the latter two phrases, the directive suggested saying things like, "CDC bases its recommendations on science in consideration with community standards and wishes."

While the ban on the first five words has drawn fire for its implicit commentary on minorities, LGBT issues, and abortion, the prohibition of "evidence-based" and "science-based" has garnered particular criticism given the CDC's scope of responsibilities.

An unnamed CDC analyst who spoke with the Post said colleagues within the agency were "incredulous" at the announcement. The reaction "was very much, 'Are you serious? Are you kidding?'" the analyst said, adding, "In my experience, we've never had any pushback from an ideological standpoint" like this before.

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