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 pra…
