A controversial figure in the Biden administration faces another setback as a key member of his communications team departs.
According to Bloomberg, Thomas Corry, who served as the assistant secretary of public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has resigned from his position just weeks after his appointment.
The sudden departure comes in the wake of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial statements about measles following a child's death in Texas. The incident has sparked renewed debate about vaccine policies and public health communication strategies within the department.
Kennedy's February 26 White House remarks about measles outbreaks being commonplace and hospitalizations being primarily for quarantine purposes triggered significant backlash. The comments were particularly sensitive given they followed the first U.S. measles death in a decade.
In an apparent attempt to address the controversy, Kennedy later published an opinion piece on Fox News acknowledging the risks of measles, particularly for unvaccinated individuals. He also advocated for making vaccines accessible to those who want them.
The timing of Corry's resignation, coming shortly after these events, has raised questions about internal tensions within the department. His LinkedIn announcement was brief but professional.
Corry shared his resignation announcement on LinkedIn, stating:
I want to announce to my friends and colleagues that last Friday I announced my resignation effective immediately. To my colleagues at HHS, I wish you the best and great success.
Kennedy's leadership team comprises a mix of longtime supporters and veterans from previous Republican administrations. This includes Stefanie Spear, who transitioned from her role as Kennedy's presidential campaign press secretary to become his principal deputy chief of staff at HHS.
Prior to his brief tenure at HHS, Corry brought significant experience to the role. He had worked as a consultant and held senior positions in communication during the Trump administration, specifically with the agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid.
The department's communication strategy has faced scrutiny since Kennedy's appointment. Despite his emphasis on "radical transparency," the administration's early actions included pausing agency communications and canceling meetings with external advisors.
The vacancy left by Corry's departure creates uncertainty about the department's public affairs direction. This position is crucial for managing the agency's public image and communication strategies.
The development occurs at a critical time when public health communication faces increasing challenges. The department must navigate complex health issues while maintaining public trust. These events highlight the ongoing tensions between political messaging and public health communication within federal agencies.
Thomas Corry's unexpected resignation as HHS assistant secretary of public affairs marks another challenge for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s administration. The departure, occurring just weeks after his appointment and amid controversy over Kennedy's measles statements, reflects the complex dynamics within the department's leadership. As the HHS moves forward, it must address the immediate staffing vacancy and broader concerns about its public health communication approach, particularly regarding sensitive topics like vaccine policies and disease outbreaks.
