Trumping the Centers for Disease Control: A Case Comparison of the CDC’s Response to COVID-19, H1N1, and Ebola

Eleanor Schiff, Daniel J. Mallinson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite being the richest and most prepared nation in the world, the U.S. responded badly to the COVID-19 crisis. This paper examines the nature of political control and the essence of bureaucratic failure for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an independent agency. In three case studies, we analyze the CDC’s success in handling H1N1 and Ebola, and its failures on COVID-19. We find that the CDC suffered not only from political interference by the Trump Administration but also internal organizational problems that muted its ability to respond effectively. We conclude by offering policy prescriptions for addressing concerns of bureaucratic autonomy and success at the CDC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)158-183
Number of pages26
JournalAdministration and Society
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Public Administration
  • Marketing

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