The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is undergoing significant changes under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has prioritized addressing America's health challenges. This initiative is part of a broader movement called Make America Healthy Again, which aligns with public demand for reducing federal government size.
Recent Gallup polling from 2023 indicates that 54 percent of Americans believe the government is overreaching. However, some defend federal workers, arguing that the workforce "isn't so bloated." Media reports have expressed concerns about potential impacts on federal disease outbreak responses and mental health risks for employees due to HHS staff reductions.
Kennedy has stated that "nothing is going to be off limits" in efforts to combat chronic diseases in America. Downsizing aims to prevent bureaucrats from unduly influencing health policy and promote scientific integrity in personnel decisions. The reduction also seeks to allocate resources more effectively by funding studies on chronic diseases and hiring top scientific talent.
HHS's role includes oversight of food and drug manufacturers crucial to national well-being, not acting as an autonomous decision-making hub without public consent. The current restructuring may set HHS on a path towards improving American health outcomes.
