Trump Administration Dismisses Health Committee Leaders
The Trump administration has let go of two prominent leaders from a health committee, as confirmed by reports. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the immediate termination of the appointments of John Wong, vice chairperson of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and Esa Davis. This information was revealed through a letter obtained by sources.
Officials from HHS have also acknowledged the firings. In his correspondence, Kennedy expressed that both doctors were valued for their leadership and expertise, emphasizing their contributions to improving American health through evidence-based preventive services.
He stated that this decision is part of a broader effort to implement modern governance and oversight procedures, aimed at ensuring the clarity, continuity, and credibility of the USPSTF’s operations. This move, Kennedy emphasized, is intended to uphold the integrity of the committee’s work and restore confidence in the department’s responsibilities.
Kennedy mentioned that the decision is purely administrative and is not reflective of the performance or service years of the doctors involved, noting that specialized services are essential for special committees.
The New York Times was the first to report on this matter.
This action comes in the wake of President Kennedy’s recent comments before the House Ways and Means Committee in April, where he criticized the USPSTF for being “lazy and negligent” over the past two decades.
In an April notice, HHS indicated that new members would be invited to join the task force starting in July.
According to CNN, the USPSTF normally meets three times each year—March, July, and November—but has not convened since March 2025. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated that the first meeting of 2026 has been postponed and will be rescheduled soon.
The USPSTF is tasked with improving national health by providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical preventive services. The Affordable Care Act mandates that private insurers cover preventive services recommended by the USPSTF with grades of A or B, alongside other relevant guidelines.
