Judicial Watch has sued the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request regarding the Final Research Performance Progress Report for the GUDMAP program at the University of Pittsburgh. The conservative watchdog group submitted its FOIA request on May 30th, seeking documents and communications about the program, but has received no substantive response. Judicial Watch argues that HHS is in violation of the FOIA, as the agency has not provided a determination, reasons for a denial, or the requested records. This lawsuit is part of a broader investigation into federal funding of human fetal tissue research, with Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton emphasizing the public’s right to information about taxpayer-funded projects.
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HHS freezing child care payments to all states after Minnesota fraud allegations: Official, is the news that has everyone buzzing, and honestly, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher. The core issue here is that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has put a freeze on child care funding for all states, citing fraud allegations stemming from Minnesota. Now, on the surface, this might seem like a simple case of cracking down on misbehavior, but when you dig a little deeper, the implications are much more complex and, frankly, troubling.
The most immediate concern, and one that is probably shared by millions of parents, is the potential impact on families.… Continue reading
The Department of Health and Human Services, under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has altered Adm. Rachel Levine’s official portrait by replacing her legal name with her deadname. This change was made during a recent federal shutdown, raising procedural concerns as such actions are not deemed essential duties. HHS defended the alteration, claiming a focus on “biological reality” and reversing Levine’s policies, while critics, like Adrian Shanker, view the move as an act of pettiness and bigotry reflecting a broader pattern of erasing transgender people from public life. Admiral Levine responded through Shanker, emphasizing her commitment to advancing health equity and public health.
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Psychiatry organizations are calling for the removal of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing concerns over his actions increasing stigma, instilling fear, and hindering access to mental health and addiction care. These groups, including the Southern California Psychiatry Society and the Committee to Protect Public Mental Health, are alarmed by the Health Secretary’s attacks on psychiatric medications and his efforts to dismantle the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administrations (SAMHSA). Experts worry that these actions, along with potential cuts to Medicaid, will compromise access to critical mental health services, ultimately leading to a “rolling crisis.” The organizations are urging lawmakers to replace Kennedy with a leader with expertise in public health and evidence-based care.
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More than 1,000 HHS staff call on RFK Jr. to resign, and this is a significant development, to say the least. It speaks volumes about the level of dissatisfaction and concern within the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the current leadership. The sheer number of employees involved suggests that the issues go beyond simple disagreements; there’s a deep-seated worry about the direction the department is taking. It’s hard to ignore that kind of unified dissent.
The core of the discontent seems to be centered around the spread of misinformation and the perceived undermining of public health initiatives. If a large group of professionals, dedicated to safeguarding the health of the population, believes that their leader is actively working against that mission, it’s a serious problem.… Continue reading
Over 1,000 current and former US Department of Health and Human Services employees have written a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging his resignation due to actions they claim have put American health at risk. The letter specifically cites the facilitation of Dr. Susan Monarez’s firing, the appointment of “political ideologues” to vaccine policy roles, and the rescinding of emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines without providing supporting data. This follows the ousting of Monarez and the resignations of several senior CDC officials, sparking calls for Kennedy’s removal from both members of Congress and public health groups. Kennedy has defended his actions, claiming to be restoring public trust in the CDC and eliminating conflicts of interest within the agency.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated a process to eliminate collective bargaining rights for numerous federal health agency employees, a move deemed illegal by the involved unions. HHS is also ending recognition of these unions and reclaiming office space and equipment previously allocated for union activities. This follows a pattern set by the Trump administration, which has previously targeted agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency. Unions, such as the American Federation of Government Employees, argue that these contracts support a stable workforce and are critical for responding to public health emergencies, including advocating for improved safety measures after recent events at the CDC.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be canceling contracts and pulling funding from 22 mRNA vaccine projects, totaling $500 million, to combat respiratory viruses. This decision, led by the health secretary, is based on the belief that safer and broader vaccine strategies, such as whole-virus vaccines, are better. Infectious disease experts have criticized the decision, citing the safety and efficacy of mRNA technology, which was critical in slowing the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, and its potential for future pandemic response. HHS maintains that this signals a shift in priorities and will focus on developing a “universal vaccine” that mimics “natural immunity.”
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Rep. Stephen Lynch’s letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demands answers regarding the “Make America Healthy Again” report, citing concerns about fabricated citations, misrepresented studies, and potential use of AI to generate false conclusions. News outlets, including NOTUS and The Washington Post, revealed evidence suggesting the report’s citations were manipulated, with some initially linking to nonexistent studies and others exhibiting hallmarks of AI-generated content. Lynch’s letter emphasizes the report’s apparent attempt to cover up these errors after their initial exposure, raising serious questions about the Trump administration’s commitment to scientific integrity. The letter formally requests information on the report’s drafting, review, publication, and subsequent amendments by June 16th.
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A planned $50 million autism research study, utilizing a large database of autistic individuals, has sparked significant controversy. While the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) denies creating a registry, the planned “real-world data platform” raises concerns regarding data misuse, privacy violations, and potential stigmatization of autistic individuals. A petition garnering tens of thousands of signatures prompted HHS to seemingly backtrack, yet critical questions remain unanswered about data security and opt-out options. Experts warn that the project’s aggressive timeline and lack of robust ethical safeguards could jeopardize future autism research and harm the autistic community.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood