As a public health expert, I share your frustration with the erosion of trust in our field, and I often feel like I’m speaking to a wall when trying to address these issues. While misinformation and bad-faith actors play a role, I agree that much of the problem lies in our own communication failures and rigid, one-size-fits-all guidelines that don’t respect the public’s ability to engage with nuance. This not only undermines trust but also limits our ability to address real health issues effectively. Public health needs to embrace transparency, humility, and respect for the public’s intelligence if we want to regain credibility.