Prominent vaccine experts said in the summer of 2020 that they fear President Trump is pushing the US Food and Drug Administration for an early vaccine approval to help win reelection. The head of the FDA is a politically appointed position, so more vulnerable to political pressures. 78% of Americans worry the Covid-19 vaccine approval process is being driven more by politics than science, according to a survey from STAT and the Harris Poll released in late August of 2020. This opinion was overwhelming in both major political parties, though slightly stronger among Democrats. In response, the FDA has released public statements attempting to reassure citizens that they will be making decisions based solely on data.