Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently claimed to be unaware of the Trump administration’s plans to cut billions of dollars in funding from state and local health departments. This apparent lack of knowledge was revealed during his first network television interview on CBS News.
When questioned by CBS News chief medical correspondent Jon LaPook about the federal government’s attempt to rescind $11 billion in health department funding, Kennedy stated he was “not familiar with those cuts.” This is the latest in a series of communication missteps for the HHS secretary.
In late March, HHS notified various health departments of the immediate termination of $11.4 billion in federal grants, initially expected to continue through September. These grants, originally allocated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, were intended to support a range of public health initiatives. These initiatives included community mental health services, substance use prevention and treatment programs, and efforts to prevent and respond to emerging infectious diseases. Over 20 states have filed a lawsuit against HHS and the federal government to prevent this funding reversal. A district judge recently granted a temporary injunction, halting the funding cuts pending the outcome of the court case.
These events have unfolded during RFK Jr.’s tenure as HHS secretary, which began in mid-February, making his professed ignorance of the cuts perplexing. Immediately after denying familiarity with the rescinded funds, Kennedy appeared to shift his position, claiming the “cuts were mainly DEI cuts, which the president ordered.” While HHS did announce cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and “gender ideology” research projects last month, these cuts totaled only $350 million – a significantly smaller amount than the $11 billion at stake.
Kennedy’s leadership as HHS chief has been marked by inconsistencies. For instance, amidst the ongoing measles outbreaks in Texas and other states, he has offered a mix of sound and questionable advice. While tepidly supporting vaccination as the most effective measure against measles spread, he has also promoted unproven and potentially harmful treatments, such as cod liver oil supplements.
The Trump administration’s public health approach has been characterized by setbacks. Leaders like RFK Jr. either appear genuinely unaware of the ramifications of their actions or feign ignorance about the damage inflicted upon the nation’s health agencies.
