RFKjr’s Plan for HHS
Segment #446
Senator Murray attacks Kennedy in the Appropriations hearing FY 2026 Fiscal budget review and loses.
Senator Kennedy asks about RFKjr plans at HHS
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has undertaken several significant actions since taking office on February 13, 2025. Below is a summary of his recent activities based on available information:
Sweeping HHS Restructuring:
Kennedy has led a major overhaul of HHS, consolidating its 28 divisions into 15 new ones, including the creation of the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). This restructuring aims to centralize functions like human resources, IT, procurement, external affairs, and policy, with a focus on addressing chronic disease through safe food, clean water, and reduced environmental toxins. The plan is expected to save $1.8 billion annually by reducing the workforce by approximately 10,000 employees, bringing the total from 82,000 to 62,000 through retirements and other measures.
Budget and Program Cuts:
Kennedy has overseen significant budget cuts, including $18 billion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $3.6 billion from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These cuts have sparked controversy, with some programs, like the CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention branch, initially terminated but later acknowledged as mistakenly cut. Some programs have been reinstated, though others, like lead surveillance, are being consolidated elsewhere within HHS.
Focus on Autism and Chronic Disease:
Kennedy has emphasized addressing the rising prevalence of autism, describing it as a “preventable” crisis linked to environmental toxins. In a press conference on April 16, 2025, he discussed the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network survey, which reported autism rates increasing from 1 in 36 children in 2020 to 1 in 31 in 2022. His stance has drawn criticism from advocates who argue autism is primarily genetic and that his views may mislead the public.
Public Health Campaigns:
Kennedy is planning a $20 million, four-year “Take Back Your Health” ad campaign to promote healthier lifestyles, including better nutrition and exercise, reminiscent of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative. The campaign includes a fitness challenge expanding the Presidential Youth Fitness Program to adults and a potential graphic vinyl wrap for HHS headquarters to promote health messages.
Vaccine Policy and Transparency Concerns:
Kennedy’s tenure has been marked by controversy over vaccine policies. He has pledged to study vaccine safety and efficacy without removing access, but critics, including Senator Chris Murphy, have accused him of undermining trust in vaccines, particularly the measles vaccine, amid a growing measles outbreak that has resulted in three deaths, including two children. He canceled key advisory committee meetings, such as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and has been criticized for suppressing public input and research deemed “controversial.”
World Health Organization (WHO) Withdrawal:
On May 20, 2025, Kennedy announced the Trump administration’s intent to withdraw from the WHO, citing bureaucratic inefficiencies, conflicts of interest, and undue influence from countries like China. He called for new, transparent global health institutions in remarks to the World Health Assembly.
Minority Health Office Cuts:
Kennedy’s restructuring has significantly impacted minority health offices, with layoffs affecting at least seven offices, including the HHS Office of Minority Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). These cuts have raised concerns about widening health disparities and undoing progress in addressing inequities.
Engagement with Health Technology:
On May 19, 2025, Kennedy met with health technology leaders to discuss innovations like wearable devices, AI tools, and personalized apps to empower Americans in managing their health, aligning with the “Make America Healthy Again” mission.
Task Force on Child Trafficking:
Kennedy has launched a criminal task force to investigate the trafficking and disappearance of hundreds of thousands of children, particularly migrants, allegedly facilitated during the Biden administration. This initiative has been highlighted as a priority to address human rights concerns within HHS’s scope.
Congressional Hearings:
On May 14, 2025, Kennedy testified before Congress, defending his overhaul plans and budget cuts, which he attributed to recommendations from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team. He faced combative exchanges with Democrats, particularly over vaccine trust and cuts to essential programs, and was urged to work more closely with Congress to ensure statutory duties are met.
Possible common ground with Bernie and Kennedy over US drug costs.
Kennedy’s actions reflect a focus on reducing bureaucracy, addressing chronic disease, and promoting transparency, but they have also drawn criticism for potentially undermining public health infrastructure, vaccine trust, and minority health initiatives. His approach continues to be a polarizing topic, with supporters praising his bold reforms and critics highlighting risks to established health programs.