A study commissioned by former U.S. President Joe Biden's administration to investigate alcohol-related health harms was released independently on Tuesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration decided not to feature the researchers' findings. The study, conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, examined the link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.
The report, which was completed in 2025, found that moderate drinking is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancer. The researchers recommended updating federal dietary guidelines to reflect these risks. However, the Trump administration opted not to include the study's conclusions in the official 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
In response, the National Academies released the report on their own website on June 9, 2026, making it publicly available. The move has sparked debate among public health experts, with some praising the transparency and others criticizing the administration's decision. The study's lead author, Dr. Ned Calonge, stated that the findings are based on a comprehensive review of existing evidence.
