Kennedy Critiques The New York Times Over Article
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed sharp criticism at The New York Times on Wednesday, claiming the publication released a “hit article” based on information from a disgruntled former staff member.
Kennedy’s remarks on X came in light of reports suggesting he has been “checked out” regarding his duties during the current Ebola outbreak in Africa. He dismissed these claims as “propaganda” journalism.
“To support your belief that I was fired, you reference anonymous employees, many of whom I let go or who chose to leave to avoid termination,” Kennedy stated. He further mentioned that there was a preconceived notion driving the article’s narrative.
The Times published an article authored by Sheryl Gay Stolberg earlier this week, titled, “Kennedy shows minimal involvement in vast medical portfolio.” The piece scrutinized Kennedy’s management of the department, particularly in the context of the Ebola outbreak that has impacted at least six Americans.
Stolberg noted that Kennedy appeared to lack concern for managing critical health organizations, suggesting he was more focused on his pet projects. “According to numerous colleagues, Mr. Kennedy has shown little interest in managing the intricate details of his department’s responsibilities,” Stolberg wrote. “Instead, he seems primarily preoccupied with priorities like food recommendations and pesticide exposure, looking to validate his long-standing belief that vaccines pose risks.”
The article also acknowledged that Kennedy visited the CDC headquarters only once—following a tragic shooting incident that left a police officer dead.
Additionally, it was reported that Kennedy harbors a “deep mistrust” of long-standing civil servants and has surrounded himself with like-minded individuals. This has resulted in many key positions remaining unfilled, isolating him from senior staff within the agency.
In his defense, Kennedy remarked, “When I assumed this role, the building was nearly empty. About 90 percent of employees weren’t reporting for work. I changed that, but your newspapers have ignored my reforms.” He also pointed out his predecessor’s lack of presence during their tenure.
Kennedy criticized the reliance on anonymous sources, lamenting the decline of journalistic standards, stating, “Journalism is dead. The Times is hiring propagandists.” He remarked that limited access to key players causes reliance on trivial matters in the coverage.
Responding to Kennedy’s allegations, a representative from The Times indicated that the article was borne out of a review of Kennedy’s leadership style, initiated due to numerous vacancies and internal concerns at the Department of Health and Human Services. “Kennedy declined interview requests and did not provide detailed answers to questions before publication,” the spokesperson noted. “The article reflects discussions with over a dozen individuals who directly worked with Kennedy during his time as Secretary. We stand by our reporting.”
