All articles tagged with #kennedy jr
FDA scientists say seven peptides being considered for compounding pharmacies lack sufficient human data and may pose safety risks, challenging RFK Jr.'s push to deregulate them; an FDA advisory committee will review the evidence July 23–24, but several peptides have little or no human research, raise concerns about contamination and mislabeling, and the FDA must decide, usually following the panel.
The US closed its hantavirus outbreak response for the MV Hondius after a 42‑day monitoring window with no U.S. transmissions, but officials leave unanswered questions about why draconian quarantine orders were used and overruled a CDC expert; one passenger’s case (Angela Perryman) was kept under strict quarantine despite a review recommending home-based monitoring, a decision Kennedy signed without explanation. Globally, the WHO reports 13 cases and 3 deaths with hundreds of contacts traced, as the international response continues while the domestic process remains opaque.
Health-law experts condemn the Trump-era order in which HHS Secretary Kennedy overrode the CDC’s recommendation to quarantine Angela Perryman after hantavirus exposure, calling it unconstitutional and coercive and warning it could set a dangerous precedent for future outbreaks. The CDC had suggested home quarantine with daily monitoring, while Kennedy extended a mandatory, facility-based quarantine without a cited scientific rationale. Florida declined the order, and concerns about civil liberties and government overreach—especially given typical, less-restrictive public-health measures—underscore fears that such actions could drive people to hide exposures and hinder future outbreak responses.
A Guardian investigation shows a booming US market for unapproved stem cell infusions marketed to autistic children, with families paying tens of thousands despite scant evidence of effectiveness and notable safety concerns. The piece links this growth to political moves by RFK Jr and allies to loosen FDA oversight, describes state efforts like Florida’s permissive stance, and contrasts hopeful anecdotes with controlled trials (Duke and Sutter Health) that found little to no autism improvement, highlighting the risk of exploitation for vulnerable families while regulators grapple with how to respond.
The Trump administration is vetting Norman Sharpless, a former director of the National Cancer Institute and former acting FDA chief, to lead the FDA, signaling a move away from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine-policy agenda toward more conventional leadership ahead of the midterms. Sharpless has criticized certain FDA vaccine-policy changes, and other candidates include Alkermes CEO Richard Pops and acting commissioner Kyle Diamantas as officials seek stability at the agency amid turnover and policy fights, including debates over abortion-pill access.
Former President Donald Trump endorses a study advocating narrower vaccine guidance, signaling a shift in U.S. vaccination policy debates and how public health recommendations may be framed.
Kennedy’s supporters celebrate Cassidy’s Louisiana primary loss as Sen. Roger Marshall positions to become chair of the Senate Health Committee, a move that could help Kennedy by shaping vaccine policy and nominee approvals; potential rivals like Murkowski, Paul, and Collins could complicate the race for the post.
Trump signals tighter political constraints on MAHA allies by sidelining Kennedy ally Casey Means in favor of Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, a move that underscores growing friction within the MAHA-MAGA coalition ahead of the midterms over vaccines, pesticides, and health policy priorities.
At a MAHA event, RFK Jr. announced steps to curb SSRI prescribing, repeating debunked claims that antidepressants are as addictive as heroin. Experts say the comparison is unfounded and emphasize careful, evidence-based deprescribing. The plan includes clinician training, a Dear Colleague letter, and CMS guidance with a new billing code to help taper patients off meds, but medical groups warn against framing mental-health care as overmedicalization and cite access issues.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a House panel he’s not sidelined by the White House and declined to commit to implementing vaccine guidance from the CDC’s director-nominee without interference, stressing he is not anti-vaccine and has vetted Erica Schwartz’s positions. The live updates also cover other Capitol Hill moves, including Rick Scott blocking Coast Guard promotions over a Florida shipbuilder dispute, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick’s resignation amid ethics probes, and ongoing talks on FISA reauthorization and immigration funding.
The FDA says it will convene a July advisory panel to decide whether seven popular but unproven peptide injections should be added to a list allowing pharmaceutical compounding, potentially easing restrictions. The move aligns with Health Secretary RFK Jr.’s push to loosen peptide regulations and the stance of MAHA supporters, though critics warn that most peptides lack safety data and could bypass traditional drug testing. Even if advisers approve, the agency must still complete formal rulemaking. Some peptides are banned by sports bodies and have previously been placed on restricted lists due to health risks, underscoring ongoing safety concerns around this market.
A POLITICO poll by Public First finds a plurality of U.S. adults doubt vaccine safety and prefer fewer vaccines, with a sharp partisan split: Republicans more likely to doubt the science and oppose mandates, Democrats more trusting, while many still support vaccines and school-immunization requirements, indicating a movable middle that health communicators must reach.
A Trump administration appointee delayed a CDC report showing Covid vaccines reduced hospitalizations by about 55% and emergency visits by about 50% among healthy adults in winter 2025, amid concerns over the study’s methodology and fears of political interference in vaccine science ahead of the 2026 midterms.
A new Love Story show about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette has reignited fascination with their 1990s New York romance, highlighting the real locations they frequented—Nobu Tribeca, Bubby’s, The Odeon, JFK Jr.’s 20 North Moore St. loft, Washington Square Park, Central Park, and Indochine—now popular as fan pilgrimage sites.
An NYT Magazine exposé shows that since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became head of Health and Human Services, he has targeted the CDC with firings and leadership churn, sidelined scientists in favor of political appointees, replaced vaccine experts on ACIP with allies, and even promoted unproven measles treatments during outbreaks. With the agency largely leaderless for most of the past year and a court halting some vaccine-policy changes, critics warn that public health is being steered by ideology rather than science.