Richard Besser, former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on Monday called Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a “major ideologue” amid turmoil at the CDC.
“And now with the loss of leadership and secretary of Health who came in not just with policy differences, but he‘s a major ideologue. He is one of the leading anti-vaccine proponents in the nation, and he came in clearly set on moving forward with his agenda,” Besser said on CNN’s “The Lead.”
“And he‘s done that, although he promised the Senate he would not,” he added.
Besser and eight other former CDC leaders penned a New York Times opinion piece published Monday, offering a warning about the changes Kennedy has brought about at the CDC, which they said should “alarm every American.”
“What Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has done to the C.D.C. and to our nation’s public health system over the past several months — culminating in his decision to fire Dr. Susan Monarez as C.D.C. director days ago — is unlike anything we have ever seen at the agency, and unlike anything our country has ever experienced,” the group wrote.
On Monday, President Trump demanded pharmaceutical companies “justify” the efficacy of their COVID-19 drugs.
“It is very important that the Drug Companies justify the success of their various Covid Drugs. Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives. Others disagree!” the president said in a post on Truth Social.
“With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW,” the president continued.
The Hill has reached out to HHS for comment.
