Health

Trump’s HHS: Did Kennedy Jr. Sidestep CDC Scientists on Key Health Issues?

Kennedy Jr. allegedly skipped CDC briefings, raising concerns amid policy changes and funding cuts.

byEditorial Staff

August 29, 2025, 6:10 PM

A close-up of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking at a hearing or public event. By Shutterstock.com / Joshua Sukoff.

Executive Summary

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly never sought briefings from CDC scientists on critical public health issues, according to a former CDC director.

The recent firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s appointment, known for his vaccine skepticism, have raised concerns about public health policy under President Donald Trump.

Secretary Kennedy Jr. announced a $500 million cut in federal funding from 22 mRNA vaccine development projects, citing their ineffectiveness against upper respiratory infections.

The Story So Far

The ongoing scrutiny of public health policy under President Donald Trump’s second term is largely driven by the appointment of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who faces opposition due to his known skepticism regarding vaccines and other public health measures. This context explains the recent concerns over Kennedy’s reported lack of engagement with CDC scientists, the nation’s primary public health experts, and is further highlighted by his decision to redirect $500 million from mRNA vaccine development projects and the recent firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez.

Why This Matters

The reported disengagement of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from CDC scientists, coupled with the recent firing of the CDC Director and significant cuts to mRNA vaccine development funding, suggests a potential move towards politically influenced public health policy under President Trump’s administration, which could undermine evidence-based decision-making, compromise national health preparedness, and erode public trust in federal health agencies.

Who Thinks What?

Demetre Daskalakis, a former CDC director, stated that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not sought briefings from CDC scientists on critical public health issues and may be relying on “alternate experts.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. justified cutting $500 million in federal funding from mRNA vaccine development projects by stating that the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections.

Public health experts have opposed Secretary Kennedy’s appointment due to his known skepticism regarding vaccines, raw milk, and water fluoridation, and are concerned about the reported lack of engagement with CDC experts and recent policy shifts.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly never sought briefings from scientists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), according to a former CDC director. This revelation follows the recent firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez on Wednesday and comes amid increasing scrutiny of public health policy under President Donald Trump’s second term.

Leadership Concerns at HHS

Demetre Daskalakis, who previously directed the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, stated in a CNN interview that Kennedy had not been briefed by CDC experts on critical public health issues. Daskalakis emphasized that no one from his center had briefed Secretary Kennedy on topics such as measles, COVID-19, or the flu.

Daskalakis questioned where Kennedy was obtaining his information, suggesting the Secretary might rely on “alternate experts” rather than the CDC’s scientists. Newsweek reportedly reached out to HHS for comment regarding these claims.

Background on CDC and HHS

The CDC functions as the United States’ primary public health agency, operating under the umbrella of the Health and Human Services Department. Its core mission involves safeguarding the nation’s health through various disease control and prevention initiatives. Globally recognized for its expertise, the CDC is a leading authority on infectious and chronic diseases.

The removal of Director Monarez has drawn attention to broader criticisms of public health policy within the Trump administration. Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s appointment, in particular, has faced opposition from public health experts due to his known skepticism regarding vaccines, raw milk, and water fluoridation.

Policy Shifts and Funding Cuts

Concerns surrounding Secretary Kennedy’s views have been compounded by recent departmental decisions. This month, Kennedy announced a significant cut, redirecting $500 million in federal funding from 22 mRNA vaccine development projects. He justified the decision by stating that “the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu.”

The ongoing tensions between the political leadership at HHS and the scientific community at the CDC underscore broader challenges in public health governance. The reported lack of engagement with CDC experts and the recent policy shifts continue to fuel debate among public health advocates and policymakers.