RFK Jr. Faces Heat Over HHS Overhaul Plans

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, defended a sweeping overhaul of the department during contentious congressional hearings on May 14, 2025. 

The proposed changes, including cuts suggested by Elon Musk, aim to streamline HHS operations and reduce federal health recommendations, such as halting routine COVID-19 vaccine boosters for children and pregnant women. 

Kennedy argued that the reforms prioritize “medical freedom” and address public distrust in health institutions, citing concerns over vaccine safety and government overreach.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and public health experts, slammed the plan as reckless, warning that scaling back vaccinations could lead to resurgences of preventable diseases. 

The Wall Street Journal reported that HHS plans to stop recommending COVID boosters for certain groups, a move Kennedy justified by questioning the vaccines’ efficacy. 

On X, public sentiment was polarized, with some praising Kennedy’s skepticism and others accusing him of undermining science. 

The hearings also addressed Kennedy’s past anti-vaccine activism, which he defended as a push for transparency.

The overhaul aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to reduce federal bureaucracy, but it faces significant hurdles. 

The CDC and FDA, both under HHS, have resisted rapid changes, citing risks to public health infrastructure. Kennedy’s proposals require congressional approval, and with Democrats holding the Senate, passage is uncertain. 

The hearings highlighted deep divisions over health policy, with Kennedy’s unorthodox views drawing both fervent support and fierce opposition. 

As HHS navigates these reforms, the debate over balancing individual choice and collective health security will shape the nation’s public health landscape.