HHS Cancels Grants After Group Dares Criticize a Kennedy. Sound Familiar?
The Biden administration's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) axed grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) after they, quite reasonably, challenged Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance. One might be forgiven for thinking public health bodies are *supposed* to counter misinformation from presidential candidates. Yet, this administration, which champions free speech at
State of the Union addresses, seems to have a selective definition of it. This silencing tactic isn't limited to public health; it's a playbook perfected on other dissenting voices. Think of how quickly organizations criticizing unwavering aid to Netanyahu’s government find themselves defunded or demonized. It appears criticism is only welcome until it targets certain untouchable figures or
policies. When does advocating for public health become a political liability? When a Kennedy is involved, apparently.