Takeaways From The Times’s Inside Look at the C.D.C.
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- Since Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as Health and Human Services Secretary in February 2025, he has targeted the CDC, labeling it "the most corrupt agency" in the government, leading to the firing or resignation of 18% of its staff.
- Critics accuse Kennedy of attempting to dismantle national vaccination programs, with many CDC scientists fearing sidelining and the rise of political appointees lacking scientific expertise.
- An early directive required all CDC public communications to be pre-approved, effectively silencing scientists and allowing political appointees to control messaging, undermining the agency's scientific rigor.
- Former CDC officials expressed concern that this shift has compromised trust in the agency's information, as political control led to mixed accuracy in public health communications.
- During a measles outbreak, Kennedy reportedly promoted unproven treatments over vaccines, raising alarms about the direction of public health policy under his leadership.
