Ousted CDC director expected to push back against RFK Jr.’s version of her firing
A copy of Susan Monarez’s testimony obtained by POLITICO contrasts sharply with Health Secretary Kennedy’s remarks before the Senate Finance Committee.
GOP lawmakers don’t sound enthused about RFK Jr.
Trump wants MAHA moms’ votes, but lawmakers are worried about his health secretary’s vaccine policies.
The rural health 'Hunger Games' are underway
States are scrambling for a piece of a $50 billion fund. It’s unclear where the money will go.
Fear over RFK Jr. vaccine panel’s looming decisions on childhood shots
The panel will discuss the Covid-19, hepatitis B and the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines, as well as the RSV shot.
States counter RFK Jr.’s vaccine moves, but many people could be left without access
Tens of millions of people could find themselves having to pay hundreds of dollars for shots that were previously covered.
Trump is keeping RFK Jr. in his tent and on a leash
Trump supporters who oppose Kennedy’s agenda have forced the health secretary to back off.
Trump announces crackdown on pharmaceutical advertising
The administration is planning to take regulatory action to require companies to include more drug information
Trump administration releases long awaited MAHA roadmap
The new strategy stops short of surprise regulations and leaves pesticides alone.
Trump is back to touting his Covid shot
The president said many think the shots he helped develop are ‘amazing’ a day after senators criticized new restrictions imposed by his health secretary, RFK Jr.
House Republicans launch bill to extend health subsidies past midterms
It’s the latest sign the GOP sees political peril in letting enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expire at the year’s end.
What RFK Jr. got wrong about vaccines during Senate hearing
The health secretary’s statements came amid heated exchanges with some senators.
Kennedy prepares to name new vaccine panel members
The list of names includes at least three people who have questioned the safety of messenger RNA shots against Covid.
Pushback to Trump’s foreign aid cuts is coming from a surprising corner
The National Association of Evangelicals is headed to Capitol Hill to convince lawmakers to keep feeding the world’s hungry.
Resigned health official: 'I only see harm coming'
Demetre Daskalakis said the line between science and ideology has become hopelessly blurred.
FDA revokes emergency use of Covid-19 vaccines
The decision could make it difficult for young healthy children to get a Covid-19 shot.
America’s once-powerful doctors are struggling to remain relevant in Trump’s Washington
The leading physicians’ group, the American Medical Association, is balancing opposition to the administration with pocketbook concerns.
The meeting that sparked Monarez’s dismissal
Here are the steps the Health and Human Services secretary took during his push to fire Susan Monarez.
HHS schedules next vaccine panel meeting after CDC director ousted
Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called for the meeting to be indefinitely postponed “until significant oversight has been conducted.”
CDC in turmoil. Trump still backs RFK Jr.
When Kennedy wanted to fire the CDC director, Trump helped.
Monarez refused to fire top CDC leaders, ‘rubber-stamp’ vaccine changes, confidante says
The former CDC director was ousted late Wednesday after refusing to resign despite pressure from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Monarez officially out at CDC after battle with HHS
Susan Monarez became the first Senate-confirmed leader of the disease-fighting agency.
Republicans could take midterm hit if Obamacare subsidies expire
As an epicenter of small business growth and the MAGA movement, Florida offers a glimpse into the potential political fallout
‘Going to be a bloodbath’: The GOP megalaw threatens a flooded hospital’s future
The company that owns the hospital in Erwin, Tennessee, vowed to rebuild after Hurricane Helene. Federal cuts may make that impossible.
The fall trip to the pharmacy for a Covid shot may be strewn with obstacles
Millions of Americans who live in certain states may not be able to get vaccinated at a local pharmacy.
RFK Jr. attacks pediatricians’ group over vaccine recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics had earlier urged parents to get young children vaccinated against Covid — pushing back against the health secretary’s stance.
Looming Medicaid cuts could hurt Black children, advocates warn
Nearly 2 in 3 Black children are enrolled in the program.
Everything we know about the fatal shooting near CDC headquarters
The shooting comes amid an already tumultuous time for CDC staff.
Humanitarian groups cannot challenge Trump’s impoundment of foreign aid grants, appeals court rules
The ruling overturned a district judge’s injunction that had directed the administration to restore the flow of the grants.
Congress is lukewarm on RFK Jr.’s plans. In the states, they’re catching fire.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement is taking off in red — and blue — states, even as health experts condemn some of his actions.
Wiles intervened to save RFK Jr.’s top vaccine aide
A well-connected drug company and Laura Loomer wanted Kennedy ally Vinay Prasad gone. Trump Chief of Staff Susie Wiles got his job back.
Proponent of Medicaid cuts set to brief House Republicans as they plot another megabill
Brian Blase has pushed the GOP to make deeper cuts to the safety-net health program.
Bhattacharya and Kennedy split on mRNA cuts
Bhattacharya and Kennedy split on mRNA cuts
CDC shooter, motivated by vaccine distrust, died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
Agency Director Susan Monarez tried to soothe staff at a Tuesday meeting, but some employees said the all-hands call was lacking.
CDC staff dreads going back to work after fatal shooting
Agency employees said HHS’s response has been lackluster.
Kennedy's MAHA strategy will not be released to the public immediately
Industry will have to wait longer for the report, which is expected to give the government’s response to childhood chronic diseases.
CDC shooter believed Covid vaccine made him suicidal, his father tells police
DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose was mortally wounded while responding.
Trump's former surgeon general blasts Kennedy for 'tepid' response to CDC shootings
Dr. Jerome Adams said HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “failed” in his response to the deadly violence.
Top vaccine regulator returns to FDA after recent firing
Vinay Prasad had been dismissed less than two weeks ago.
Why the ivory tower wants a deal with Trump
The schools won a reprieve in court, but they’re still offering the president a compromise.
Gunman opens fire near CDC headquarters in Atlanta
Photos shared with POLITICO show bullet holes in windows of a building on the agency’s main campus near Emory University.
China fights mosquito-borne chikungunya virus with drones, fines and nets
Thousands have fallen ill.
Kennedy to halt $500 million in vaccine projects
The move ends investments in projects involving mRNA technology.
Trump drove firing of FDA official
The president overruled his HHS secretary and FDA chief, four people with knowledge of the decision tell POLITICO.
Women’s health care lacks funding, research, FDA chief says
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has taken a personal interest in addressing hormone therapy treatment for menopause.
FDA commissioner: No ‘preconceived plans’ on policy changes for abortion drug
Some in Congress have put pressure on the FDA to review the pill, which ends pregnancy before 10 weeks.
Many American Indians put their faith in RFK Jr. They’re starting to lose it.
The health secretary has said repeatedly he wants to provide better care for Native Americans, but he’s yet to reveal how.
US has wasted hundreds of thousands of vaccines meant for Africa, health officials there say
The expiration of shots the Biden administration promised to send comes after President Donald Trump cut deeply into foreign aid.
Read the White House Physician's Letter
The letter from President Donald Trump’s doctor details his new vascular diagnosis.
3 things to know about Trump’s vein condition
Chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition that can worsen over time.
The megabill’s Medicaid cuts shocked hospitals, but they may never happen
The most painful health care provisions in the new Republican law don’t take effect for years, giving lobbyists plenty of time to undo them.
The 2025 measles outbreak is largest in 3 decades
The CDC says cases have reached nearly 1,300, the most since 1992.
RFK Jr. is winning on fluoride. Dentists foresee a cavity crisis.
Red states are banning the tooth-protecting mineral, while blue state skeptics aren’t budging.
Supreme Court disabuses federal workers who thought their jobs were safe
Civil servants told POLITICO they’re anxious and exhausted, but holding out hope their lawyers can still save their jobs.
Doctors’ groups sue Kennedy over Covid shot changes for kids, pregnant people
They say the decision “erodes trust” by pitting providers against federal recommendations that aren’t grounded in evidence.
Trump admin asks staff to report cases of bias due to DEI directives
It seeks information on employees who quit or faced discipline during the Biden administration for refusing to execute DEI orders, according to an email obtained by POLITICO.
Megabill hits health care for immigrants, including legal ones, hard
President Donald Trump has targeted undocumented immigrants, but the GOP bill will bar those who played by the rules from subsidized care, too.
Three reasons why Republicans cut Medicaid
The politics of the party have shifted, with more of the GOP base reliant on welfare programs. But policy hasn’t followed.
Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down state’s 1849 abortion ban
The procedure was already being performed in the state following a lower court ruling.
Medicaid moderates face a politically perilous vote
Six Republicans said big cuts to the low-income health insurance program were unacceptable. Now they have to vote.
RFK Jr. is bringing psychedelics to the Republican Party
Republicans now support counterculture drug research, while Democrats have become cautious about unproven medical treatments.
Kennedy’s vaccine panel met for the first time. Here’s what to know.
The meeting offered a glimpse into how the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will operate — and how federal vaccine policy is beginning to reflect Kennedy’s personal views.
Kennedy’s vaccine panel votes to remove preservative long targeted by activists
If the CDC adopts the recommendation, it will mark one of the first major changes in federal vaccine guidance and access as Kennedy embarks on his goal of remaking immunization policy in his image.
RFK Jr. says US won’t donate to global vaccine effort
Kennedy ripped into Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in a video address at its pledging summit.
Kennedy’s vaccine panel to review childhood immunization schedule
The new work group could open the door to changes to vaccine recommendations.
Lawmakers bet millions on pharma stocks as Trump targets industry
Drug company shares are down amid President Donald Trump’s assault on the industry, but some in Congress see value.
RFK Jr. isn’t hiding his plans for vaccines. Democrats say it will cost lives.
The health secretary resurfaced anti-vaccine claims at a House hearing, alleging collusion by pharma companies, public health experts and politicians to mask the truth.
Cassidy criticizes RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisers
Cassidy criticizes RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisers
How the Senate megabill could backfire on conservatives
The leader of South Carolina’s hospital association said a cost-saver in the bill would force the state to consider Medicaid expansion.
RFK Jr. is making it more difficult to enroll in Obamacare
The Trump administration projects as many as 1.8 million people, including many DACA recipients, could lose coverage.
Vaccine advisers to review ingredient RFK Jr. has long wanted banned
The health secretary wrote a 2014 book arguing that thimerosal caused brain damage, a claim his own agencies say is unfounded.
Trump administration to end LGBTQ+-specific crisis hotline
The Trevor Project, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group that works with the government to help administer the “Press 3” option, said the decision could have grave consequences.
Hospitals stunned by Senate GOP’s Medicaid plan
Republicans want to curtail taxes states have imposed to increase payments to hospitals.
‘Undermining trust’: Kennedy’s promises on vaccines put to the test
The health secretary wants regulators to question long-settled science and public health guidance.
CDC backtracks on layoffs, rehires more than 400 people
Around half of those employees are in the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention.
There’s one vice RFK Jr. isn’t talking about
The health secretary, who wants Americans to make healthier choices, rarely mentions smoking.
HHS justifies decision to stop recommending Covid shots during pregnancy with studies supporting the shots’ safety
The studies are cited in a document sent to lawmakers.
RFK Jr. to fire all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee
The HHS secretary announced his plans in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece Monday afternoon.
‘It’s made up’: Democrats say Rubio isn’t playing it straight about foreign aid cuts
The State Department would not provide data to support the secretary’s repeated claim that 85 percent of the US global AIDS program is operational.
Fired HHS employees allege terminations were based on ‘error-ridden’ personnel records
Agency personnel files listed incorrect performance ratings that were used to determine which employees would be laid off, according to a new lawsuit.
Dr. Oz on the future of Medicaid, Trump’s megabill and AI avatar health care
The Conversation with Dasha Burns launches with Mehmet Oz as its first guest.
FDA chief wary of federal recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines
The Food and Drug Administration commissioner repeatedly said patients should rely on guidance from their doctors.
‘They're the backbone’: Trump’s targeting of legal immigrants threatens health sector
Federal policy changes are having spillover effects on everything from disease outbreak mitigation to long-term care
Dr. Oz pushes back on GOP criticism of proposed Medicaid changes
Dr. Oz pushes back on GOP criticism of proposed Medicaid changes
New Covid shot recommendations appear to contradict Kennedy
An update to the CDC’s website shows that children “may” get the Covid vaccine if their parents and doctors want them to.
Dr. Oz pushes back on criticism that GOP is cutting Medicaid
The CMS administrator says in a POLITICO podcast that most Americans agree with the White House push to enact work requirements.
The CDC is no longer recommending Covid vaccines for healthy children, pregnant women
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the decision without waiting for an agency advisory panel to vote.
RFK Jr. threatens to bar government scientists from publishing in leading medical journals
The health secretary said the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association and The Lancet are in bed with pharma.
The pool's open. Trump's laid off the team that helps protect swimmers.
The loss of the CDC’s drowning-prevention unit is one that water safety advocates fear will have a direct impact on children’s safety.
RFK Jr.’s report had a surprise target: Your doctor
The commission led by the health secretary says physicians often have the wrong prescription for America’s ills.
RFK Jr. says food and pharma are poisoning Americans. His big report says a fix is coming.
The Make America Healthy Again Commission that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leads will release a strategy to combat chronic disease by summer’s end.
GOP allies in farm and food are sweating RFK Jr.’s big report
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Health Again Commission will assess the causes of childhood disease on Thursday.
RFK Jr. calls for global health cooperation outside the World Health Organization
The health secretary also rejected a pandemic agreement member countries of the U.N. agency just adopted.
Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer
The disease included “metastasis to the bone,” according to a statement from his personal office.
‘Rolling Thunder’: Inside conservatives’ strategy to curb abortion pill access
Abortion opponents hope a new report will spur the GOP to ban abortion pills and defund Planned Parenthood.
Wellness CEO files ethics complaint against top RFK Jr. adviser
An internal MAHA battle is breaking out between an HHS employee who co-founded a health care payments company and a CEO of a rival company.
Democrats confront RFK Jr. on budget cuts, but will need Republican help to stop them
Democrats confront RFK Jr. on budget cuts, but will need Republican help to stop them
Trump admin cancels layoffs for some health workers ahead of Kennedy hearing
The move reinstates some employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — which lost more than 90 percent of its workforce.
Why the 1 senator who can rein in RFK Jr. isn’t calling him out
Bill Cassidy, the senator who secured Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s promise to protect vaccines, will question the health secretary at a hearing Wednesday.
Guthrie has long wanted to overhaul Medicaid. Now he has to sell members on a compromise
The Energy and Commerce Committee chair is about to be put to the test.
Trump promises to slash drug costs, tying US prices to those paid abroad
The push will likely draw lawsuits from the pharmaceutical industry.
RFK Jr., DOGE gutted legally required offices. Courts may undo it all.
Federal workers, Democratic lawmakers, state officials and independent legal experts say keeping offices afloat in name only – with minimal or no staff – is an unconstitutional power grab.
Trump injected uncertainty into federal contracting. Donor brains went to the grave.
Brain banks stopped taking donations as their contract expiration date approached.
Trump to pull surgeon general nominee Janette Nesheiwat
The withdrawal comes after questions were raised about her academic credentials.
RFK Jr.’s former running mate attacks Trump’s new surgeon general pick
Casey Means’ nomination to the post comes after former Fox News contributor Janette Nesheiwat’s nomination was abruptly withdrawn.
‘Dismantling one of the strongest tools we have’: Conservatives fret HHS cuts
Fired employees and conservatives say the gutted research teams’ work aligned with the Trump administration’s “pro-family” messaging.
Measles hits 1,000 cases — for the second time in 30 years
The new figure comes as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly delivered mixed messages about the outbreak.
The MAGA backlash to Trump’s MAHA surgeon general pick
Casey Means and brother Calley are favorites of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
RFK Jr. set to name new top HHS spokesman
The selection of Rich Danker comes after HHS’ first assistant secretary for public affairs abruptly quit days into his tenure.
Trump picks Casey Means for surgeon general
The wellness influencer is the sister of Calley Means, a top adviser to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
States loosen vaccine rules — even as measles outbreak rages
With a longtime vaccine skeptic serving as the country’s top health official, the movement is likely to make further inroads.
Trump will defend Biden’s abortion pill rules in Texas case
The filing over the regulation of mifepristone indicates an emerging pattern: An effort to preserve executive power.
Tulsi Gabbard is out to prove Covid came from a lab
The director of national intelligence told podcast host Megyn Kelly she’s working with top HHS officials to investigate Covid-19’s origins.
RFK Jr.'s politically explosive search for autism's ‘root cause’
Groups advocating for people with the condition are split on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s effort to understand why so many more are being diagnosed with it.
DOGE hits Trump country
Red states have borne the brunt of DOGE’s targeting of AmeriCorps
Trump admin asks laid-off firefighter and coal mining safety research staff back temporarily
An HHS spokesperson said the reprieve could become permanent.
Trump administration to close a civil rights office in RFK Jr.'s HHS
CMS’ Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights develops civil rights compliance policy for agency workers.
Weight-loss craze sparks a DC lobbying bonanza
President Donald Trump is under pressure to decide how widely available anti-obesity drugs should be and whether Medicare should cover them.
RFK Jr. isn't staying in his lane. Trump is thrilled.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expanded his authority well beyond the bounds of a traditional health secretary.
‘A gut punch’: Trump admin cuts wipe out firefighter health and safety programs
People in and out of government told POLITICO that they fear the cuts will lead to major backsliding on understanding firefighters’ health risks.
Once all-powerful, pharma’s allies in Washington are fleeting
The industry is struggling to find its voice as Trump and RFK Jr. rage against it.
Clinics begin closing as Trump admin continues freeze on family planning funds
Dozens of medical providers have struggled to stay afloat since more than $65 million dollars for the Title X family planning program was withheld on April 1.
Supreme Court appears to reject conservative argument over Obamacare provision
Preventive care services for millions hang in the balance.
Obamacare returns to SCOTUS, with preventive care on the line
The lawsuit, brought by conservative employers in Texas, targets the expert panel that advises HHS on which preventive care services insurers must cover without cost-sharing.
How Mark Zuckerberg is flipping the script on kids’ safety online
The Facebook founder is lobbying Congress to leave his firm alone — and making headway.
Kennedy pledges to figure out which ‘environmental toxins’ are causing autism
The secretary said better diagnostics and awareness are responsible for a quarter of the increased rate.
HHS funding slashed by 30 percent in budget proposal
The Trump administration is mulling sharp budget cuts at health agencies.
Key House Republican opposes Medicaid cuts
Rep. Vern Buchanan told POLITICO’s Health Care Summit that Republicans will find savings in Medicaid but won’t cut it.
‘We are flying blind’: RFK Jr.’s cuts halt data collection on abortion, cancer, HIV and more
Fired workers and outside experts say the cuts leave the nation more vulnerable to health threats.
JB Pritzker doubts Republican promises on Medicaid
“Medicaid is where most of us think they will go,” he said.
Means defends HHS cuts, calls bureaucracy an ‘utter failure’
He also said the election of Trump was a mandate to make dramatic change in leadership.
Republicans say efficiencies will save Medicaid. Dems say 'not possible.'
Rep. Diana DeGette told POLITICO’s Health Care Summit that there’s not enough waste in Medicaid to find the savings the GOP is promising.
Supreme Court upholds FDA decision banning flavored vapes
The high court overturned a ruling that the FDA arbitrarily banned e-cigarette products.
RFK Jr. says Deep State ‘is real,’ called FDA employees ‘sock puppet’ of industry
The HHS secretary’s remarks shocked staffers at the Food and Drug Administration, prompting some to walk out.
The surprising pair fighting Medicaid cuts
Republicans are seeking billions in savings from the insurance program for low-income people to pay for tax cuts.
Here's another sign Musk's power is waning
The National Institutes of Health is the latest agency to break from Trump’s billionaire adviser.
Hassan defends her votes for Trump nominees
The New Hampshire senator has backed as many Trump Cabinet picks as anyone in the Democratic caucus.
Cash-strapped states panic over end of Obamacare subsidies
The looming possibility of slashing Medicaid spending and not extending ACA subsidies has prompted a legislative scramble from Sacramento to Annapolis.
Supreme Court wrestles with red state efforts to defund Planned Parenthood
The case hinges on whether Medicaid patients have the right to see the doctor of their choice.
Top Trump FDA official Brenner hits pause on Novavax Covid-19 vaccine decision
The intervention by a senior FDA official in a product decision is a highly unusual action.
Trump on measles outbreak: 'Not something new'
Trump on measles outbreak: 'Not something new'
Kennedy says he plans to tell CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water
RFK Jr. also said he’s assembling a task force to focus on the issue.
Second child dies from measles-related causes in West Texas
The state has almost 500 cases
Kennedy announces support for measles vaccine amid outbreak
The statement is a surprising turn for the health secretary and comes amid reports of a second child’s death.
Kennedy shutters several FOIA offices at HHS
The department plans to consolidate all agency FOIA offices into one.
RFK Jr.’s staff cuts leave health workers scrambling
Employees who survived mass firings this week say management hasn’t provided an accounting.
RFK Jr. said HHS would rehire thousands of fired workers. That wasn't true.
The health department has no plan to mass reinstate employees it cut earlier this week.
RFK Jr. drops plan to have Medicare, Medicaid cover weight loss drugs
The health secretary says better diet and exercise will keep Americans trim.
Inside RFK Jr.’s MAHA agenda with Calley Means | Playbook Deep Dive
Inside RFK Jr.’s MAHA agenda with Calley Means | Playbook Deep Dive
Which jobs were cut at CDC? Here’s a list.
The Trump administration wants the agency to focus on infectious disease. Other areas of public health were hit hardest.
Fauci allies, Covid vaccine officials get ax at NIH
The removals have gutted FDA and NIH leadership.
One takeaway from POLITICO’s Health Care Summit: Trump has broken open America’s partisan divide on health
Republicans painted a picture of a corrupt, broken system. Democrats said Trump’s cuts were putting millions of lives at risk.
Thousands laid off as Kennedy and Musk take aim at health agencies
Overnight notices hit civil service leaders as well as the rank and file.
The health industry is starting to express alarm about RFK Jr.
Drug and medical device makers didn’t oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as health secretary, but are speaking up in opposition to the agency downsizing he ordered.
New FDA commissioner agreed to oust top vaccine regulator after private swearing-in
The forced resignation of Peter Marks has unsettled scientists and researchers.
Trump admin cuts tens of millions from Planned Parenthood
The Title X funds were earmarked for birth control and other non-abortion services.
‘This is all wholly preventable,’ former Covid chief says of measles outbreak
Ashish Jha blames Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Top FDA vaccine regulator Peter Marks pushed out
The departure of Marks leaves the agency without yet another senior regulator.
Drug policy expert set to take senior role at HHS
Art Kleinschmidt would have a role focused on behavioral health issues.
‘Painful period’: RFK Jr. eliminates 10,000 jobs at HHS
The cuts amount to more than 20 percent of staff.
RFK Jr.’s massive cuts stun staff, leave senior employees scrambling
The cuts sent shockwaves through the department’s sprawling workforce, prompting a scramble among senior agency officials to figure out which employees and policy priorities were affected.
Documents reveal scope of Trump’s foreign aid cuts
The State Department sent the list of impacted grants and contracts to Congress, according to a document seen by POLITICO.
Long Covid office ‘will be closing,’ Trump administration announces
The move comes as part of the administration’s reorganization of HHS, according to an internal email seen by POLITICO.
Trump to tap CDC acting director as nominee
Susan Monarez was the deputy director for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health since January 2023.
Global AIDS program teetering after Trump admin’s shock-and-awe
President Trump is taking apart one of George W. Bush’s proudest achievements.
Trump admin considers shutting down some CDC expert panels
HHS tells CDC leaders it is “recommending termination” of the discretionary advisory committees.
Hawley has pointed questions for Dr. Oz on abortion, trans care
The Missouri Republican, alone, isn’t enough to block Oz’s nomination to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, even if Democrats join him.
Trump’s pardons spark fresh fights over abortion clinic safety
Democratic state lawmakers are trying to bolster protections, but those efforts are imperiled by legal fights.
Trump admin mulling over cutting HIV-prevention funds in US
The cuts would seem to run counter to a first-term Trump priority.
Weldon’s history of vaccine skepticism helped tank his CDC nomination
Sen. Lisa Murkowski shared concerns about his vaccine views before the White House pulled his nomination.
Dr. Oz, with a TV host’s flair, promises simple solutions for America’s health care ills
At his confirmation hearing to run Medicaid, Oz brushed off Democrats’ concerns about cuts Republicans are planning.
Oz may have underpaid Medicare, Social Security taxes, Democrats say
The memo created by Democratic staff on the Senate Finance Committee comes as Oz is expected to face the panel on Friday for a confirmation hearing.
HHS braces for a reorganization
The effort is part of the Trump administration’s plan to shrink the federal government.
NIH set to replace chief of staff with former Massie aide
The move is likely to tighten the Trump administration’s control over the public health agency.
Top US health agency makes $25,000 buyout offer to most of its employees
The workers have until 5 p.m. on Friday to submit a response for the so-called voluntary separation offer.
‘He needs to do much more’: RFK Jr.'s measles response under scrutiny
The health secretary’s muted response to the first major disease outbreak on his watch worries even some allies.
Democrats’ Medicaid strategy gets a reboot after GOP cancels town halls
The outside group Indivisible said Democrats should hold their own town halls — and if Dems don’t, they’ll hold their own.
Jay Bhattacharya, once condemned for his lockdown critique, is poised for a comeback
The Covid contrarian’s Senate confirmation hearing to lead the National Institutes of Health promises another airing of pandemic grievances.
Trump admin moves to drop fight over emergency abortions, reversing Biden admin stance
An Idaho hospital is stepping in to argue that the state’s near-total abortion ban violates patients’ rights.
Pardoned anti-abortion activists plan next steps
Trump’s FBI and DOJ dropped several ongoing investigations into threats against abortion clinics and issued a new memo signaling reduced enforcement going forward against such acts.
Kennedy praises fast food chain’s efforts to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ after it ‘RFK'd’ its fries
Steak ‘n Shake said that locations across several states transitioned away from using seed oils in their fries.
Democrats hit the airwaves to bash Republicans on Medicaid
House Majority PAC will run TV and digital ads targeting vulnerable GOP congressional incumbents.
Republicans say states are pulling a fast one on Medicaid
GOP lawmakers are considering a plan to limit federal matching funds for the health insurance program to pay for tax cuts.
USAID cuts expected to devastate global health
The Trump administration has terminated funding for HIV, malaria and maternal health programs it had labeled lifesaving.
First death reported in Texas measles outbreak
When asked about the measles outbreak and death, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said “it’s not unusual, we have measles outbreaks every year.”
5th Circuit rebuffs ruling against Planned Parenthood
The unanimous ruling overturns a decision by Texas U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Donald Trump appointee.
Republicans’ rosy Medicaid savings plan sees waste galore
Even if every improper payment were caught, it wouldn’t provide a third of the savings the GOP needs.
USAID to place most personnel on leave, lay off at least 1,600
A federal judge cleared the move Friday after a two-week hold.
These Republicans have a lot to lose if Congress cuts Medicaid
GOP lawmakers expected to vote soon on slashing the insurance program for low-income people represent tens of millions reliant on it.
Democrats need to use spending battle to control Trump, Tammy Baldwin says
Speaking at a POLITICO event, the Wisconsin senator said fellow Democrats should use their leverage when government funding expires next month.
Inside RFK Jr.’s health department takeover
Kennedy’s first week at HHS included dismissing the workforce, vaccine advisers and some longtime health priorities.
Biden CMS chief warns DOGE is moving too fast
Speaking at a POLITICO event, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure suggested that Elon Musk and his team don’t have sufficient expertise in Medicare.
RFK Jr. should handpick vaccine scientists, former adviser says
Del Bigtree, now a leader of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s grassroots movement, said he should seek proof of an autism link.
Redfield backs Kennedy’s efforts on vaccines
The former CDC director calls for more vaccine research, and also warns that a bird flu pandemic “is coming” and could be worse than Covid.
RFK Jr. prepares shake-up of vaccine advisers
The health secretary is planning to remove members of a panel that recommends vaccines if he sees conflicts of interest.
Brooks-LaSure: 'If we don't care about the least among us, we all suffer'
Brooks-LaSure: 'If we don't care about the least among us, we all suffer'
Former CMS administrator says she's 'heartbroken' over HHS layoffs
Former CMS administrator says she's 'heartbroken' over HHS layoffs
‘Nothing … off limits’: Kennedy lays out plan for HHS
His first remarks to the department since being confirmed comes as Washington reels from mass firings and funding cuts.
Judge temporarily blocks Trump cuts to health research grants
The cuts would slice $4 billion from the budgets of universities and research organizations.
Why the health care industry is letting RFK Jr. cruise to confirmation
From drugmakers to doctors, few health care groups are asking senators to block Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from becoming HHS secretary.
Judge blocks Trump order restricting gender-affirming care for trans youth
The nationwide restraining order seeks to restore access to health services for transgender patients 19 years and younger that had been disrupted by a Trump executive order.