Nine former officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised significant concerns regarding Robert F Kennedy Jr’s leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). They described his approach as “unlike anything our country has ever experienced,” asserting that his actions are “unacceptable.” Former officials with decades of CDC experience are sounding the alarm. They argue that Kennedy’s leadership style and decisions should scare every American—no matter where they fall on the political spectrum.
As former CDC leaders piled on their disappointment from Kennedy’s-heavy-handed management. They pointed to his unprecedented replacement of current staff with like-minded personnel. The very Dr. Replacement of personnel has raised concerns regarding the department’s future. Environmental and social advocates alike are understandably nervous about what these changes will mean for environmental protection and justice. They called out particularly the need for these acts to raise awareness among citizens and policymakers on both sides of the aisle.
As one official said, we’ve never known leadership on this level in the history of our agency. That puts in context how serious the crisis is. The former officials cautioned that Kennedy’s tactics risk undermining vital public health work and eroding the credibility of the agency.
Kennedy has come under attack since his appointment with critics attempting to undermine his credentials and his fitness for the position. The nine former CDC leaders have urged that his tenure should be closely monitored due to its potential ramifications on health policy and public trust in health institutions.
“This is unlike anything our country has ever experienced.” – Nine former officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“This is unacceptable.” – Nine former officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“This should alarm every American, regardless of political leanings.” – Nine former officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention