Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under fire again, and this time the pressure is coming from inside his own department.
More than 1,000 current and former HHS employees signed a letter this week demanding he resign, pointing to what they call “controversial leadership” and policies that have shaken confidence in the agency.
Layoffs and Low Morale
Since April, HHS has cut as many as 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring.
Supporters of the move say it trims waste and focuses resources on core programs. Critics argue it has gutted vital health services and left employees uncertain about their future.
Anyone who has lived through a round of layoffs knows the effect: low morale, empty desks, and an agency struggling to keep up with its mission.
During the pandemic, Nevada’s own state health department went through staffing shortages that left residents waiting hours for services like testing and vaccines.
Big cuts in Washington can trickle down to states like Nevada, where local offices depend on federal support.
The CDC Shake-Up
Things escalated further in August when Kennedy fired CDC Director Susan Monarez.
The White House backed him, saying Monarez was not on board with President Trump’s agenda, but her sudden removal sparked protests from health officials and a wave of resignations.
Nine former CDC directors, a bipartisan group, published an open letter blasting Kennedy’s vaccine policies and warning his approach could put public health at risk.
They pointed especially to his push for stricter vaccine rules, a stance that has made him one of the most polarizing figures in American politics.
Violence and Blame
Tensions reached a breaking point on August 8, when a gunman opened fire outside CDC headquarters in Atlanta. Thankfully, no employees were killed, though several were injured.
Some HHS staff have tried to link the attack to Kennedy’s outspoken criticism of vaccines, but so far, there’s no evidence tying his words to the shooter’s actions.
Trump’s Pick, Washington’s Fight
Kennedy was appointed HHS Secretary by President Trump in November 2024. It was a bold choice.
For years, Kennedy has questioned vaccine safety, even repeating claims that many experts and studies have debunked.
For conservatives, his appointment was proof that Trump is willing to challenge the health establishment that pushed lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine requirements during the pandemic.
Here in Nevada, where small businesses and families were crushed under shutdowns, many welcomed someone willing to push back against the same agencies that cost us jobs and freedom.
What Critics Say
Opponents in Congress, joined by many in the medical field, argue Kennedy’s leadership is reckless and dangerous.
They say the mass layoffs, the firing of Monarez, and the new vaccine restrictions are signs he’s putting ideology ahead of science. Democrats in particular see his leadership as proof that the Trump administration is undermining public health from the inside.
But conservatives counter that the “experts” failed the public in 2020, and they shouldn’t get a free pass now.
The Road Ahead
The calls for Kennedy’s resignation may grab headlines, but so far, President Trump and the White House have stood firmly behind him.
That matters more than a letter signed by bureaucrats and retired officials.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
