Over the course of the year, Kennedy’s actions have alarmed public health experts, medical associations and current and former health officials, who say he is eroding trust in science and dismantling confidence in long-standing public health measures. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismantled major parts of the nation’s public health system in his first year as Secretary of Health. As secretary, Kennedy brought in fierce critics of the public health covid response and federal health agencies more broadly. Public health and medical experts say the turnover in staff and leadership has hollowed out the federal government’s scientific capacity to anticipate and respond to health threats. As Kennedy upended the public health workforce, he leaned into his more broadly popular messaging around overhauling the food industry.

Source: Washington Post December 30, 2025 13:47 UTC