Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denounces New York Times article as hit piece

The New York Times published a report titled “Kennedy Shows Minimal Engagement With Vast Health Portfolio,” alleging that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had shown little involvement in managing the department, particularly in response to the Ebola outbreak that exposed six Americans. The article cited multiple unnamed current and former employees, describing Kennedy as “deeply mistrustful” of career officials and suggesting he was focused on personal priorities such as food recommendations and vaccine skepticism.

Kennedy responded on X, calling the piece “unfair, inimical, and inaccurate.” He said the Times relied on “disgruntled” ex‑employees, quoted anonymous staff he had fired, and pursued a preconceived thesis to portray him as disengaged. Kennedy defended his record, noting daily meetings with senior counselors, the FDA, NIH, CDC, and extensive work hours, and claimed he had improved employee attendance and departmental reforms. The New York Times said it had spoken to a dozen people who worked directly with Kennedy, that he declined an interview, and stood by its reporting.