About this episode
The episode discusses Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s performance as Secretary of Health and Human Services and the implications of rising measles outbreaks.
In 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was a presidential hopeful running under the banner of “making America healthy again.” Among his most fervent supporters: vaccine skeptics and cynics, nutrition-focused parents and anti-pesticide activists. After dropping out of the presidential contest and endorsing Donald Trump, Kennedy emerged as the president’s foremost pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Now, many in the so-called “MAHA coalition” are disappointed with Secretary Kennedy for what they describe as a failure to deliver key reforms to the nation’s health and food systems. And, we discuss what the rise in measles and other infectious diseases means about the state of our public health. Secretary Kennedy has repeatedly downplayed recent measles outbreaks and given deeply mixed messages on vaccination. Find more of our programs online . Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
People in this episode
Host: NPR
Topics covered
- public health
- vaccination
- politics
- measles outbreaks
- health reforms
Keywords
- RFK
- MAHA
- public health
- vaccination skepticism
- measles
- health reforms
- Donald Trump
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Department of Health and Human Services
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