Nonexistent Studies Undermine Report Credibility
The Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report, released in May 2025, has come under intense scrutiny for citing studies that do not exist. An investigation by NOTUS revealed that at least seven of the approximately 500 studies referenced in the report are nonexistent, with some citations leading to broken links or misrepresented findings. For instance, the report cites a study on ADHD medication by Robert L. Findling, which cannot be found in any journal, and Findling himself has denied authoring such a study.
AI-Generated Citations Raise Concerns
Experts have pointed out that the MAHA report contains numerous scientific inaccuracies and citations likely generated by artificial intelligence. The 522-footnote document includes at least 37 repeating citations, some with authors or studies that do not exist, and markers like “oaicite” suggest the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT. This reliance on AI-generated references without proper verification undermines the report’s credibility and raises questions about its suitability for policymaking.
Misattributed Authorship and Fabricated Research
The report has been found to misattribute authorship and fabricate research. For example, it references a 2017 paper titled “Overprescribing of Corticosteroids for Children with Asthma,” which does not exist. Such inaccuracies not only mislead readers but also cast doubt on the report’s overall validity.
White House Acknowledges Errors but Defends Report
In response to the criticisms, the White House acknowledged citation and formatting issues in the MAHA report. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that updates would be made, and the errors have been corrected. However, officials maintain that the substance of the report remains valid and continue to support its findings.
Critics Question Scientific Integrity and Policy Implications
The revelations have heightened concerns over the integrity of the report and the direction of health policies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Critics argue that the use of unvetted AI-generated material and fabricated studies is dangerously misleading and could have significant implications for public health policy.
Potential Impact on Public Trust and Health Initiatives
The controversy surrounding the MAHA report could erode public trust in health initiatives and scientific research. The dissemination of misinformation and fabricated studies may lead to confusion and skepticism among the public, potentially hindering efforts to address genuine health concerns and implement effective policies.
