Trump administration political appointees have taken steps in recent weeks to exert unprecedented influence over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's flagship medical research publication,

The mpox paper had undergone months of peer review at a scientific journal as well as extensive internal review at the CDC. It received final acceptance in January and was in page proofs when the withdrawal order was issued last Friday, said the researcher, who asked not to be identified for fear of losing federal grant funding.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resumed publishing its weekly scientific report Thursday after an unprecedented pause, but information about the bird flu virus that was supposed to appear remained on hold even as the outbreak spreads.

Federal science agencies are at a crossroads in trying to comply with President Donald Trump's executive orders. As a result, the health of millions is potentially at risk. In a "head-snapping, blink-and-you'll-miss-it,