Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered his first address to employees of the Department of Health and Human Services, announcing the formation of a new presidential commission that will examine childhood vaccine schedules and psychiatric medications, among other issues. He stated, “Nothing is going to be off limits.”
The 22-minute address, which was not made public, included an appeal for unity among colleagues, encouraging them to move past the contentious atmosphere surrounding his nomination. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind, engaging in “difficult questions,” and listening to diverse viewpoints, even from those he has previously disagreed with.
Mr. Kennedy expressed a commitment to depoliticizing health issues and sought a “common ground for action.” He also indicated that he would push the department and the “Make America Healthy Again” commission to focus on subjects he believes have been inadequately addressed by mainstream scientists.
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert and critic of Mr. Kennedy, responded to the remarks by suggesting that they implied Mr. Kennedy may have preconceived ideas about these topics. He highlighted that chronic disease can have multiple causes, including genetics and lifestyle changes, which Mr. Kennedy did not address.
Following a weekend of mass firings within the department, which affects agencies like the CDC and FDA, Mr. Kennedy did not mention the layoffs in his address. These cuts are part of a broader initiative to streamline the federal workforce and have impacted younger employees in public health and laboratory science programs.
The appointment of Mr. Kennedy has instigated concern among many scientists and public health officials who fear the impact of his previous criticisms of their work. He advocated for “radical transparency” in science, stating, “Both science and democracy flourish from the free and unimpeded flow of information.”
However, his vision for increased transparency may face challenges from the pharmaceutical industry and academic institutions that maintain confidential operations due to competitive reasons. Mr. Kennedy reiterated a pledge to reform expert committees that advise scientific agencies, proposing to mitigate conflicts of interest.
In a reflective part of his speech, Mr. Kennedy referenced historical figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, describing them as “citizen-scientists.” He concluded by linking health and wellness to a spiritual dimension, asserting that love and self-knowledge are essential for achieving good health.