A new national survey reveals that Anthony Fauci maintains significantly higher public trust than Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite Kennedy's efforts to undermine the infectious disease expert. The Annenberg Public Policy Center poll found that 54 percent of Americans express confidence in Fauci, compared to just 38 percent for Kennedy. Among strong supporters, 25 percent say they're 'very confident' in Fauci, while only 9 percent feel the same about Kennedy.

This trust gap extends beyond individual figures to institutional credibility. The survey shows 67 percent of respondents trust career scientists at federal health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH, but only 43 percent trust the leadership of those same agencies. This suggests Americans are distinguishing between career professionals and political appointees within the same organizations.

Ken Winneg, managing director of survey research at APPC, noted that 'the public is differentiating the trustworthiness of career scientists' from agency leaders. The findings highlight a persistent credibility advantage for career scientists over political figures in public health, even as Kennedy continues promoting anti-vaccine positions. With Kennedy having no medical or scientific background, the poll suggests Americans still value expertise and experience in health leadership over political appointments.