Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration, spoke in his first network TV interview about major government cuts to health programs and staffing. In an exclusive conversation with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, Kennedy discussed various issues, including the measles vaccine and food regulation.
Kennedy acknowledged that he was not familiar with all of the proposed $11 billion cut to local and state programs addressing infectious disease, mental health, addiction, and childhood vaccination. He stated that these cuts were mainly related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives ordered by President Trump.
However, Kennedy expressed concerns over some specific program eliminations, such as a University of Michigan grant focused on adolescent diabetes, which was cut without his knowledge or approval. He assured that he would investigate these instances and potentially reinstate them if deemed necessary.
Kennedy also addressed the issue of health care costs and the impact of restructuring efforts on HHS employees. He acknowledged that some layoffs would need to be reinstated but emphasized that his primary goal is to make America healthy, despite spending $1.9 trillion annually on healthcare services.
In a surprising shift, Kennedy expressed support for the measles vaccine, stating that it should be encouraged but not mandated by the federal government. This marks a departure from his previous stance on vaccines, which he had promoted as a potential cause of autism.
The growing multi-state measles outbreak has highlighted the need for effective vaccination and public health measures. As the situation continues to unfold, Kennedy’s role in addressing this issue remains crucial.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rfk-jr-sweeping-cuts-health-programs-employees-exclusive-interview