RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary

Caroline Kennedy denounces Kennedy Jr. in letter to Senate and video. Calls him "predator," "hypocrite," unqualified for HHS. Accuses him of animal cruelty and encouraging family members (including brother David) into substance abuse that led to death. Cousin Stephen Smith Jr. supports her statement.

Senate confirms Kennedy 52–48. Only Republican to vote no: Mitch McConnell (Kentucky). All Democrats vote no. McConnell cites Kennedy's position against polio vaccine as disqualifying; as polio survivor, McConnell says "anyone seeking Senate's consent to serve…should steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts."

Kennedy sworn in as 26th HHS Secretary by Justice Gorsuch in Oval Office. Takes over $2 trillion agency responsible for NIH, CDC, FDA, CMS. Trump signs Executive Order "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) same day.

Measles outbreak spreads. Multi-state measles cases spike to 1,100+ cases. Kennedy promotes alternative treatments (cod liver oil, vitamin A, steroid inhalation, antibiotic azithromycin for viral disease) while overstating vaccine harms. CDC: MMR vaccine "much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella." Kennedy recommends vaccination against measles but suggests natural immunity preferable.

HHS spokesman Thomas Corry resigns. Leaves position just two weeks after being sworn in as assistant secretary of public affairs, citing disputes with Kennedy over vaccine and health messaging.

Federal court voids Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices decisions. Judge Emmet Murphy (Massachusetts District Court) reverses all ACIP decisions made by Kennedy-appointed panelists. Court finds government "disregarded the scientific method" and "thereby undermined integrity of its actions." Ruling issued in response to lawsuit by six medical organizations.

Bill Gates testifies before House Oversight Committee. Denies wrongdoing in Epstein ties; calls Epstein contact "grave error in judgment." Later confirms ~$100 million in vaccine/global health work at Gates Foundation not impacted by Epstein association.

Kennedy demands HHS investigation into CAIR. Kennedy announces HHS investigating Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and affiliates for alleged misuse of federal grant funds and "ties to designated terrorist organizations." Posts on X: "If there is evidence of fraud, abuse, or ties to designated terrorist organizations, we will act." No subpoenas issued; CAIR denies allegations as "baseless suggestion." Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) leads congressional campaign, accusing CAIR of "long-standing ties to Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood."

CAIR receives mixed HHS response. Director of HHS Office for Civil Rights, Paula M. Stannard (directed by Kennedy), writes "amicable" letter to CAIR California emphasizing OCR commitment to "protecting all Americans from unlawful discrimination." Letter does not commit HHS to action. Days later, Kennedy posts on social media expanding investigation to CAIR national and CAIR Washington — no subpoenas, described by CAIR national deputy director as "shot across bow in court of public opinion."

HHS denies resignation rumors. Responds quickly to social media post from former Kennedy ACIP appointee suggesting Kennedy considering resignation in July. HHS issues statement denying report. Kennedy remains in position.