Trump-suppressed alcohol health study released, finds low-level drinking may raise disease risk

A federal study on alcohol's health effects, commissioned by SAMHSA in 2023 to inform U.S. dietary guidelines, has finally been published in a scientific journal after being withheld by the Trump administration.

The study concludes that even modest alcohol consumption can increase the risk of several diseases and may elevate overall mortality risk.

The report was previously blocked amid accusations from some lawmakers and industry groups that the researchers were biased against alcohol, and a House Oversight Committee labeled the work “irretrievably flawed.”

Authors outside the government argue the findings were politicized and that the data should be considered in future guideline updates.