Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Responds to New York Times Report on Alleged Disengagement

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted an extensive social media response after a New York Times article reported concerns from health department insiders regarding his engagement with the agency's work.

The report, published on Sunday, June 7, drew upon accounts from approximately a dozen individuals who have had direct contact with Kennedy during his tenure as Health Secretary. These sources collectively indicated that Kennedy has shown limited interest in the specific details of the health department's functions and has had minimal direct interaction with career staff.

Allegations within the report included Kennedy missing regularly scheduled meetings with agency leaders, appearing disengaged during meetings he did attend, and being unaware of crucial decisions, such as the termination of Tracy Beth Høeg, who had been appointed to a senior drug regulator position at the Food and Drug Administration.

Sources further suggested that Kennedy frequently refers individuals to his assistant, Stefanie Spear. Colleagues reportedly stated that Spear's involvement has contributed to slowed department operations and some notable departures among leadership.

Kennedy's response, posted Wednesday night, was an 871-word statement on social media. In his post, he challenged the report, arguing that much of the story's content could be disproven by reviewing his public calendar.

According to Ars Technica, Kennedy's response itself seemed to inadvertently support some of the Times' claims.