RFK Jr. has reportedly appeared “checked out” during important meetings, raising concerns within the Health Department. As per reports, the HHS Secretary’s limited engagement in departmental issues has led to growing unease and uncertainty among agency employees.
Insiders reveal condition of health department under RFK Jr.
According to a recent report by The New York Times, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has opted to handle selective departmental issues and has allegedly “checked out” of his role. The move has reportedly plunged the Department of Health into an unexpected crisis.
The report shares an in-depth analysis of the major changes that the Department of Health has undergone under Donald Trump’s second presidency. It cites multiple sources who have direct contact with RFK and Department of Health employees, noting that the HHS Secretary has adopted an unorthodox leadership style, sparking concerns within the department regarding the handling of sensitive issues.
As per the outlet, Kennedy rarely visits the Department of Health’s Washington headquarters. Additionally, the HHS Secretary reportedly works for only six hours on the day he is present. However, the reports say that Kennedy rarely has any interactions with the staff and appears to scroll on his phone during important meetings, seemingly looking “checked out.”
Speaking with The New York Times, several sources have shared that the Department of Health is seeing a significant drop in morale due to RFK Jr.’s inconsistency in engaging in the agency’s work. This has raised questions regarding the department’s efficiency in dealing with a crisis.
Staff members close to Kennedy have further shared that the HHS Secretary has received very few briefings on the Ebola virus outbreak. Meanwhile, many remain disappointed that Kennedy has not given any major statement regarding the Ebola virus outbreak in Africa, which the World Health Organization declared an emergency last month. As of yet, Kennedy has given a brief assurance stating, “We’re working on it.”
