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HHS official defends rapid rollout, criticizes CDC after personnel change
Summary
Secretary Kennedy defended the rapid rollout of the federal rural health program, urged quick decisions to meet urgent needs in rural areas, and confirmed a personnel change at the CDC while criticizing parts of the agency's pandemic guidance; he also said the agency is studying mass shootings as a health issue.
Secretary Kennedy addressed questions about recent personnel changes and the CDC's ability to function, saying the agency had "let go of Susan" and that he would not discuss personnel matters further.
"I will confirm that we let go of Susan ... yesterday. I'm not gonna talk about personnel issues," Kennedy said, adding that the CDC is an agency that has been "very troubled" and that some pandemic-era recommendations were "not science based." He said political staff in the agency are focusing on restoring its functionality.
When asked whether the CDC can continue operating effectively, Kennedy said the administration aims to move money out quickly because of urgent needs in rural communities and acknowledged the pace places a heavy burden on federal agencies.
A questioner identified as Karen asked about the CDC's role in studying gun violence. Kennedy said mass shootings are being examined as a public health issue and that the agency is conducting studies that include looking at psychiatric medications as one possible factor.
Kennedy declined to provide further details about personnel decisions and no CDC representative responded during the session. The event did not include official CDC materials or an on-the-record response from the agency.
