RFK Jr. Faces Scrutiny Over Health Program Cuts and Vaccine Policy Shift

In light of a worsening measles outbreak, RFK Jr. endorses the measles vaccine while addressing unfamiliarity with proposed $11 billion health program cuts and ongoing HHS restructuring.

RFK Jr. acknowledged he was unaware of $11 billion in proposed cuts to state and local health programs, including those addressing infectious diseases, mental health, and addiction research.
Approximately 10,000 HHS employees are being laid off as part of a restructuring initiative linked to RFK Jr. and Elon Musk’s DOGE organization.
In response to a significant multi-state measles outbreak, RFK Jr. has publicly encouraged vaccination while maintaining his opposition to government mandates.
Texas has been hardest hit by the outbreak, with over 500 confirmed measles cases and two child fatalities, prompting RFK Jr. to visit affected families and communities.
Some previously eliminated research studies, including those on infectious diseases and addiction, have been reinstated after being deemed scientifically valuable.