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On Capitol Hill, RFK Jr. defends vaccine policies, ongoing shakeups
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had another long day on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, with lawmakers questioning him on his vaccine views, agency shakeups and a proposed budget that would slash HHS spending on medical research and public health.
Federal judge calls RFK Jr. an “unsafe” leader in order protecting trans youth health care
The broad ruling was designed to deflect future attacks on gender-affirming care for kids.
RFK Jr.’s followers will help the GOP in midterms, Kennedy adviser tells POLITICO’s Health Summit
Calley Means said the health secretary and Trump are working in “lockstep.”
Reps. Smucker and Davids Introduce Bipartisan ‘Accountable Produce is Medicine Act’
WASHINGTON — Representatives Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced the bipartisan Accountable Produce is Medicine Act (H.R. 8355), legislation aimed at modernizing the U.S. health care system by incorporating proven nutrition-based interventions to prevent and manage chronic disease.
The Death of Public Health
During the recent measles outbreak, the largest in more than 30 years, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. refused to clearly recommend the measles vaccine, saying instead that it was a “personal decision,” and that parents should “do their own research.” Similarly, during her recent confirmation hearing for United States Surgeon General, Casey Means was questioned by Senator William Cassidy (R, La). “You’re the nation’s doctor,” said Cassidy. “Would you encourage [a mother] to have her child vaccinated!” “I’m not an individual’s doctor,” Means said. “And every individual needs to talk to their doctor before putting a medication in their body.” In June 2025, Marty Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that COVID vaccines for pregnant women should be a “personal choice”, even though every other country in the world recommended the COVID vaccine during pregnancy due to a higher risk for severe disease. It doesn’t end there. On January 5, 2026, RFK Jr. reduced the number of routinely recommended vaccines from 18 to 10. For vaccines that protected against influenza, COVID, and rotavirus, parents were urged to speak with their doctors—to make an individual choice. (On March 16, 2026, in a ruling by a federal court in Boston, RFK Jr.’s revised schedule was invalidated.) What’s happening? Why are public health officials moving away from making recommendations for the public? The origin of this change might be rooted in the first two years of the COVID pandemic. In 2020, during the first year on the pandemic, we didn’t have anything to stop a virus that was killing hundreds of people a day and could be spread asymptomatically. We didn’t have antivirals until October, monoclonal antibodies until November, and vaccines until December. All we could do was restrict travel, close businesses, shutter schools, and mask, isolate, quarantine, test, and social distance. During the second year of the pandemic, when we had vaccines to prevent COVID, people couldn’t go anywhere without their vaccine cards. They couldn’t go to their favorite bar or restaurant or sporting event or place of worship without proof of vaccination. Some people were fired from their jobs for refusing to get vaccinated. For many, this was seen as massive government overreach and energized what has been called the “medical freedom movement.” Indeed, a headline in the New York Times declared, “How Health Freedom Became a Winning Rally Cry.” As expressed in the comments of RFK Jr., Casey Means, and Marty Makary, the medical freedom movement focuses on the individual not the community—the opposite of public health. In an article titled “Ethics and Social Value Judgments in Public Health,” ethicists from Yale University distinguished public health from medical freedom. “Public health policies,” they wrote, “are population oriented. Because individual health affects the health of others, public health measures regulate individual behavior to achieve population health goals. All raise questions about how individual autonomy and freedom should be balanced against public health interests…which respects individuals’ sovereignty over their bodies and actions as long as their actions do not harm others.” The medical freedom movement fails to recognize that it often limits the freedom of others. For example, a parent who is afraid to send a child to school where many of the students are unvaccinated. Or immune compromised children who depend on those around them to for protection. The question then becomes “Freedom for whom?” Is it your right, in the name of medical freedom, to catch and transmit a potentially fatal infection—and in so doing, take away the freedom of others? In Four Essays on Liberty, Isaiah Berlin sums it up best. “Liberty for the wolves,” he wrote, “is death to the lambs.” Thanks for reading Beyond the Noise! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribe
RFK Jr. is in his influencer era
The real reason Trump’s health secretary is launching a podcast.
RFK Jr’s podcast has glimmers of his old show – will he address health issues differently?
Secretary Kennedy Podcast so far seems designed to promote Trump administration talking points over any specific public health message
Newsom demands answers from RFK Jr. over past comments about Black children on ADHD meds being ‘re-parented’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday said he demands answers from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding comments the secretary made in an interview in 2024…
RFK Jr clashes with Dem lawmaker over Trump’s mental fitness in heated exchange
RFK Jr. defended Trump's mental health during a tense congressional hearing, rejecting calls for a fitness assessment or invoking the 25th Amendment.
Democrat demands RFK Jr. insist on Trump mental fitness test, invoke 25th amendment
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) grilled Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about President Trump’s mental fitness on Friday, pressing him about some of Trump’s recent social media posts…
WATCH LIVE: Health Secretary RFK Jr. testifies about HHS agenda, proposed budget cuts in House hearing
Trump administration live updates: RFK Jr. to face questions again today after barrage of criticism at House hearings
Get live updates and the latest news on the Trump administration as RFK Jr. faces more questions from lawmakers and progressive activist Analilia Mejia wins the special election to fill New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s former House seat.
Inside the CDC’s leadership vacuum: work at a ‘standstill’ and low morale as 80% of top posts remain vacant
Current and ex-officials at the CDC warn Americans’ health security in danger under RFK Jr’s direction
Kennedy announces policy changes and faces criticism at House hearings
The health secretary appeared before two House committees to discuss proposed funding cuts. Several lawmakers pressed Kennedy about his response to measles outbreaks.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
HHS Wants to Be Done With Drama, for Now
As Trump nominates a new, uncontroversial CDC director, a more restrained version of RFK Jr. is appearing.
A vaccine standoff and other key moments from RFK Jr.'s first congressional hearing in months
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended a more than 12% proposed cut to his department's budget and dodged arrows from angry Democrats as he kicked off an expected sprint of seven hearings in Congress over the next seven days.
RFK Jr. takes lashing in first of several contentious health hearings
The health and human services secretary received a rare rebuke from a Republican lawmaker as he defended his — and Trump’s — handling of the agency.
RFK Jr accused of ‘dangerous conspiracy theories’ at heated budget hearing
Trump ally grilled by lawmakers over ‘terrible decisions’ on vaccines, public health and funding cuts to key programs
Congress grills RFK, Jr., about vaccines and cuts to health budget
The HHS secretary defended proposed budget cuts to science, his vaccine moves and health care costs Thursday on Capitol Hill
Kennedy focuses on affordability, combating fraud in Capitol Hill hearing
RFK Jr. focused on President Trump's health care agenda and largely avoided vaccines.
RFK Jr.'s peptide policy could boost Hims & Hers as its GLP-1 business evolves
Hims may have an chance to grow peptides business as a potential revenue driver, with FDA review in 2026 shaping the opportunity.
RFK Jr. restores staffing at 9/11 health program ahead of Capitol Hill testimony
The move comes after nearly a year of bipartisan criticism about program staffing shortages delaying care for program participants.
RFK Jr. to Reform Health Panel That Determines Which Screenings Insurers Cover
The health secretary said he would reform the panel, which determines whether insurance will cover preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies.
RFK Jr. Defends Health Budget Cuts Before House Committee
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told lawmakers that the department’s proposed budget focuses on prevention because it has better outcomes than treatment.
RFK Jr. defends his health agenda and Trump's proposed budget cuts in hearing
In his first appearance this year, the health secretary is taking questions on his record on health, including his controversial moves on vaccines.
RFK Jr. will remake panel that determines which preventative services insurers must cover - Live Updates
The health secretary told the Ways and Means Committee he’s bringing on new members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Kennedy to testify before Congress for first time this year
His appearances will be the first time he has faced lawmakers since he pushed out the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the summer.
The mental health parity gap is gaping
RFK Jr.'s testimony to Congress, broader access to peptides, and more health news from Morning Rounds
Four things to watch as RFK Jr. defends his health agenda on the Hill
Vaccines and turmoil at the agencies under his leadership are expected to be hot topics.
‘He’s got a lot of stamina:’ What to watch as the RFK Jr. hearing blitz kicks off
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will make the case for the Trump budget. Democrats will test his political acumen.
WATCH LIVE: Health Secretary RFK Jr. testifies about HHS priorities at House hearing
WATCH LIVE: Health Secretary RFK Jr. testifies about HHS priorities at House hearing
FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and MAHA supporters
The Food and Drug Administration will hold a meeting this summer to consider easing restrictions on more than a half dozen peptide injections, a group of unapproved therapies that have become popular among wellness influencers, fitness gurus and celebrities.
RFK Jr. promotes peptides. Now the FDA weighs easing limits on the unproven chemicals
A panel of outside advisers will review seven peptides at a meeting in July to determine if the unapproved drugs can be safely produced by pharmacies.
FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and other MAHA figures
Peptides are unproven chemicals often pitched as way to build muscle, lose weight, look younger.
FDA to Weigh Easing Limits on Unproven Peptides Favored by RFK Jr. and Other MAHA Figures
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration will hold a meeting this summer to consider easing restrictions on more than a half dozen peptide injections, a group of unapproved therapies that have become popular among wellness influencers, fitness gurus and celebrities. The meeting ...
RFK Jr.'s focus on nutrition misses one main ingredient
Food insecurity, food deserts and structural inequities do not fall evenly across our society. They particularly impact communities of color.
RFK Jr. has tied fluoride with 'stupider' kids. What a new study says
A new study found people who drink fluoridated water long-term are just as smart as those who don't, contrary to RFK Jr.'s comments.
The biggest takeaways from the new RFK Jr. tell-all, from addiction to affairs
An unauthorized biography on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is detailing the ups, downs and inner thoughts of the famed family member-turned-health secretary.
Pumas get another solid victory over Mazatlan
Pumas got a 3-1 victory over Mazatlan and now have enough points to qualify to the Liguilla.
RFK Jr. Once Touted Raw Milk. Now He’s Stopped Talking About It.
The health secretary has instead promoted whole milk, a politically safer choice, as he seeks to avoid “weird stuff.”
RFK Jr.’s new vaccine panel rules may help sidestep court order, experts say
Kennedy signed a new charter for the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee, adding more focus on vaccine injuries.
The Trump administration just updated rules for CDC's vaccine advisory panel, allowing inclusion of RFK Jr. allies
The changes published Thursday come after a recent legal defeat that has at least temporarily halted meetings of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which for decades has recommended how best to use the nation’s vaccines.
RFK Jr.’s HHS rewrites rules governing key CDC vaccine committee
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has approved changes to rules that govern an expert group that advises the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its vaccine recommendations.
New Charter Allows RFK Jr. to Reclaim Vaccine Policy Despite Court Ruling
The charter, published on Thursday, alters the makeup and purpose of the panel, opening the door for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reclaim his revision of national vaccine policy.
RFK Jr. launches health podcast as his vaccine push stalls
The move follows setbacks to overhaul U.S. vaccination policy, including low public support and a federal court ruling that halted key plans.
RFK Jr. moved his ex-wife’s remains from Kennedy family plot to the edge of the cemetery
A new biography on RFK Jr. has resurfaced claims he moved his ex-wife's remains from the Kennedy family plot to the edge of the cemetery without her family's knowledge.
RFK Jr. launching podcast in ‘transparency’ push
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a podcast that, in his words, will focus on “telling the truth, especially when it’s uncomfortable” and R…
RFK Jr. says he's launching a podcast to expose 'lies' that have made Americans sick
The show will launch next week and feature Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine crusader who has reshaped the country’s health policy, in conversation with doctors, scientists and agency staff.
RFK Jr. is launching a podcast to expose ‘lies’ that have made Americans sick
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a new podcast that he says will begin “a new era of radical transparency in government,” according to a teaser video first obtained by The Associated Press.
RFK Jr. rewrites rules on CDC panel after judge blocks vaccine changes
After a federal judge said members of the influential vaccine committee were "distinctly unqualified," an updated charter broadens the list of expertise for membership.
What the peptide craze reveals about Americans’ relationship with risk
Why do RFK Jr. and other health influencers embrace unproven peptides while calling for more research into well-studied vaccines?
RFK Jr, EPA chief 'declare war' on microplastics amid growing evidence of health risks
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are declaring a war on microplastics.
RFK Jr, EPA chief 'declare war' on microplastics amid growing evidence of health risks
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are declaring a war on microplastics.
RFK Jr, EPA chief 'declare war' on microplastics amid growing evidence of health risks
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are declaring a war on microplastics.
The Man Holding MAHA Together
Can RFK Jr.’s book publisher keep the movement alive?
RFK Jr, EPA chief 'declare war' on microplastics amid growing evidence of health risks
RFK Jr. and the EPA head "declare war" on microplastics, adding them to the drinking water contaminants list and launching new health studies.
RFK Jr. launches midterm travel push to shore up ‘MAHA’ support
The Trump White House counts RFK Jr. as a top surrogate – but he comes with downsides, too.
RFK Jr. To Finally Face The Music For Failed Anti-Science Agenda: Public Health Project Newsletter
Over the last year plus, Trump Health Secretary RFK Jr. has seemingly been everywhere promoting his personal brand and greatest hits of evidence-free anti-science conspiracy theories – everywhere but communities...
Braiding hair? That’ll require 500 training hours and a permit.
Louisiana’s licensing rules are strangling businesses for no good reason.
How RFK Jr.’s MAHA agenda keeps hitting roadblocks
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the last several months has suffered a series of setbacks that have sapped his influence within the GOP and left him diminished within the Trump administration.
FDA Is Expected to Lift Restriction on Peptides, Heeding RFK Jr.’s Wishes
The peptides, which are increasingly marketed as providing longevity and health benefits, were removed in 2023 from the agency’s list of products that compounding pharmacies can sell.
RFK Jr. takes push to get junk food out of hospitals to Florida
The HHS secretary made his announcement in the president’s home state.
RFK Jr. makes food sound like a miracle drug, but researchers say he often overstates the science
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed diet can "cure" schizophrenia and diabetes and allow people to rid themselves of bipolar disorder. Researchers say the comments overstate current evidence.
‘No kings, just vaccines!’: demonstrators gather at NIH headquarters to protest against cuts to medical research
Protesters decried Trump administration healthcare policies and direction of HHS under leadership of RFK Jr
NCAA tournament Sweet 16 live updates, scores: Men's and women's March Madness back in full swing
Kennedy’s Vaccine Agenda Hits Roadblocks, Diminishing His Clout
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine skepticism is posing challenges for the Trump administration. Top health jobs are unfilled, and a court has blocked his vaccine schedule changes.
RFK Jr. Is Losing His Grip on the CDC
The Trump administration seems to be putting MAHA on notice.
Pussycat Dolls star triples down on MAGA label after claiming politics cost her the reunion tour
Pussycat Dolls member Jessica Sutta says her MAGA alignment and RFK Jr. support cost her a spot on the group's 53-date PCD Forever reunion tour.
RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz have a plan to save rural health care. Here’s the catch.
Top health officials point to AI as the solution for dying hospitals, but experts from rural areas of the country say the solution isn’t that simple.
Inside the Turmoil at RFK Jr.’s CDC, as Told by Current and Former Employees
Forty-three current and former C.D.C. employees on the changes they say are replacing science with ideology — and making Americans more vulnerable.
6 years since lockdown, here's a look at COVID vaccine guidance today
Changing guidance around COVID-19 vaccines, specifically, has been central to RFK Jr.'s run as health secretary. A judge just struck some of it down.
RFK Jr. Touts Food as Medicine. He Often Overstates the Science, Experts Say.
The nation's health secretary recently claimed that diet can 'cure' schizophrenia and diabetes
Federal judge rules RFK Jr. overreached in restricting trans healthcare to minors
Click in for more news from The Hill{beacon}View Online Health Care Health Care The Big Story Federal judge rules RFK Jr. overreached in restricting trans healthcare to minors U…
Rival ‘shadow’ group to RFK, Jr.’s autism science committee meets in D.C.
Autism researchers are working to counter a federal autism advisory panel that has vaccine skeptic members and, they say, a “striking absence of scientific expertise”
Judge says he will bar RFK move aimed at cutting gender-affirming care for minors
A U.S. judge on Thursday said he would block an effort by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr that would have sharply restricted medical providers from providing gender affirming care to minors after a group of Democratic states challenged it.
RFK Jr. makes food sound like a miracle drug. Researchers say he often overstates the science
In the Trump administration’s campaign to promote healthy eating, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not stopped at his slogan urging people to “eat real food” to prevent disease. In recent speeches and…
RFK Jr. Makes Food Sound Like a Miracle Drug. Researchers Say He Often Overstates the Science
In the Trump administration’s campaign to promote healthy eating, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not stopped at his slogan urging people to “eat real food” to prevent disease. In recent speeches and podcast appearances, the nation’s health secretary also has claimed that diet can “cure” schizophrenia and ...
RFK Jr. Makes Food Sound Like a Miracle Drug. Researchers Say He Often Overstates the Science
In the Trump administration’s campaign to promote healthy eating, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not stopped at his slogan urging people to “eat real food” to prevent disease. In recent speeches and podcast appearances, the nation’s health secretary also has claimed that diet can “cure” schizophrenia and ...
Rishabh Pant returns to IPL grind, chasing another India comeback
Rishabh Pant is gearing up for a crucial IPL season. He is working hard to regain his spot in India's white-ball squad. Recent practice sessions and time with Yuvraj Singh show his dedication. A strong IPL performance could secure his place for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Pant is focused on his game and mental strength.
Child vaccination rate drops sharply in Michigan under RFK Jr's influence
Vaccination rates among young children in Michigan dropped sharply during the first year of the Trump administration, a Reuters analysis of state data shows, providing an early indication of how vaccine-skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is influencing immunization practices in the United States.
A dietitian and doctor review RFK Jr's new food pyramid
The new food pyramid was released earlier this year. It emphasizes protein, full-fat dairy and what Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls “healthy fats.” These guidelines influence the standards for school lunches, food labeling and programs like SNAP. Today on the show, Short Wave co-host Emily Kwong chats with registered dietitian nutritionist Shana Spence, and Dr. Sarah Kim, a diabetes specialist, about the new guidelines. Plus, NPR’s Reflect America fellow Kadin Mills unpacks how the new food pyramid could change school lunch trays. Check out more of Kadin’s coverage about the changes in dietary guidelines.Interested in more health science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Ruling on RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Policy Changes Leaves Health Groups Scrambling
Lawyers for both sides in the federal lawsuit, brought by six medical organizations, are trying to understand the ramifications of the judge’s decision.
Chelsea Handler claims RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines sold her 'disaster' house: 'Most toxic environment'
Chelsea Handler is claiming that RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines sold her a 'disaster' house that she still has not lived in to this day: 'The most toxic environment.'
It’s Showtime for the SAVE America Act in the Senate | WSJ Politics Newsletter for March 17
Plus, a judge blocks RFK Jr’s MAHA vaccine recommendations
The glaring problem with RFK Jr.’s push for more nutrition education
Teaching doctors in training about nutrition will do little if patients cannot access healthy food.
Federal judge halts RFK Jr.'s changes to children's vaccine policies
In a rebuke, a federal district court judge blocked the administration's reduction in the number of immunizations recommended for kids and also changes to an influential vaccine committee.
Judge blocks RFK Jr. from scaling back childhood vaccine recommendations
A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every child, and said U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping a key vaccine advisory committee.
Federal judge puts RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule, advisers on ice
While the judge stayed the Health Secretary's appointments to a key advisory panel, he did not block its meeting this month.
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.’s vaccine policy overhaul for now
The judge said the government has undermined its history of recognizing the importance of involving independent experts in setting the national public health agenda.
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s changes to childhood vaccine schedule
The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Federal judge stalls health secretary RFK Jr.’s overhaul of vaccine policy
Breaking: A federal judge on Monday stalled major parts of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to remake vaccine policy in the U.S.
Exclusive | RFK Jr.’s HHS Is Under Tighter White House Leash After MAHA Setbacks
Aides close to the president grew worried that perceived disorganization and an antivaccine focus could prove damaging in the midterms.
Democratic doctors run for Congress to challenge Trump, RFK Jr.
Doctors and scientists are running for office, motivated by concerns over health policy, anti-science movements, and cuts to social programs.
How RFK, Jr.’s controversial ideas are shaping Americans’ health
How Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s ideas about public health—from vaccines to seed oils—are shaping Americans’ health