Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces media scrutiny over his recent speech at the Food and Drug Administration headquarters.
According to Breitbart, Kennedy defended himself against accusations of mocking individuals with disabilities, stating that the liberal media weaponizes "woke cancel culture" to protect Big Pharma and Big Food interests.
The controversy emerged after several publications, including Mediaite and The Daily Beast, criticized Kennedy's use of the word "retarded" during his address to FDA staff. Kennedy clarified that he was referring to the historical name of the Wassaic State School for the Mentally Retarded, a New York state facility where he volunteered during his high school years.
Politico initially published a story suggesting Kennedy had used derogatory language toward Special Olympics athletes. The publication later issued a clarification on X, acknowledging that Kennedy was specifically referring to the institution's proper name.
The HHS Secretary emphasized his family's long-standing commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. His aunt, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics in 1968, while his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, established the President's Panel on Mental Retardation.
The incident occurs amid broader discussions about the cultural acceptance of certain terminology. While Kennedy's usage pertained to an institution's historical name, the debate continues about the word's place in modern discourse.
Throughout his career, Kennedy has faced numerous controversies and media criticism. His stance on vaccine safety has led to him being labeled an "anti-vaxxer," though he maintains he supports "safe vaccines" and more thorough research.
Previous media disputes included accusations of antisemitism following a 2019 speech about surveillance technology, and claims of racism when he suggested COVID-19 affected certain racial groups differently.
The HHS Secretary's relationship with President Trump has also drawn attention, particularly given his previous criticism of the president. Kennedy now attributes his position in the administration to divine intervention.
The latest media storm highlights the intricate relationship between historical terminology and modern sensitivities. Kennedy pointed out that even the New York Times used similar language in their 1973 headlines.
Kennedy shared his perspective on the media's response, stating:
Because of my family's commitment to these issues, I spent 200 hours at Wassaic Home for the Retarded when I was in high school. So, I was seeing people with intellectual disabilities all the time. I never saw anybody with autism. We, you know, we prided ourselves on Special Olympics about being able to take care of every child, no matter how.
The FDA staff meeting also sparked controversy over Kennedy's comments about the agency's relationship with industry, particularly his characterization of it becoming a "sock puppet" of the industries it regulates.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as Health and Human Services Secretary, found himself at the center of controversy following his FDA headquarters speech in White Oak, Maryland. The incident began when media outlets misinterpreted his reference to a historical institution's name as a derogatory remark. While publications like Politico eventually clarified their reporting, the episode highlights ongoing tensions between Kennedy and mainstream media outlets, particularly regarding his positions on public health and regulation.
