A controversial HHS tweet celebrating Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day ignited a firestorm of criticism, highlighting the stark ideological divide between the outgoing and incoming administrations. The post drew responses from prominent figures like Stephen Miller, Caitlyn Jenner, and Elon Musk, foreshadowing a significant shift in policy direction under the incoming Trump administration.
A conservative group, the Center to Advance Security in America (CASA), is suing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for documents detailing how taxpayer money is being used to house and shelter illegal immigrants. The lawsuit comes amid growing concerns about the handling of the migrant crisis and the lack of transparency surrounding the use of federal funds.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of government health agencies, is set to take a prominent role in a potential second Trump administration, with plans to overhaul the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Kennedy, who initially ran for president as an independent before endorsing Trump, has been outspoken about his intention to ‘rid’ these agencies of alleged corruption and restore their focus on ‘gold-standard, evidence-based science.’ This move, if realized, could have significant implications for public health policy in the United States.
The House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, has issued a subpoena to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra demanding information on the Biden administration’s handling of unaccompanied migrant children crossing the border. The subpoena is seen as a direct challenge to Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been tasked with addressing the border crisis and is facing increasing scrutiny from Republicans. The committee alleges that HHS has lost track of thousands of children after placing them with sponsors, including illegal immigrants, and has been obstructing their oversight efforts.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is reportedly planning his departure from the Biden administration and exploring the possibility of running for governor of California in 2026. Despite facing criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and migrant children, Becerra has spent over $130,000 on campaign consultants. His tenure has been marked by tensions with Biden officials, including Domestic Policy Adviser Susan Rice.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a new rule that strengthens privacy protections for individuals seeking or providing abortion services. This move aims to counter the wave of abortion restrictions implemented by red states in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. The rule prohibits the disclosure of protected health information related to reproductive health care without the individual’s consent, easing concerns among patients and providers regarding the use of their records for legal investigations.
