Xavier Becerra, the former Director of Health and Human Services, has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s handling of public health since his departure. He warns that their actions could lead to a significant deterioration of public health in the future.
Becerra, who is currently campaigning for governor of California, expressed on Social Media Platform x, “I’ve been silenced. I’ve tried giving this administration time to adjust, but it just presents one fiasco after another, from vaccine rollbacks to ignoring public health experts.”
He pointed out the tragic deaths of two children from measles this year, highlighting how the administration has undermined credible research and “Gutted Citations” within public health. He argues, “This shows the failure of the Trump administration to prioritize public health.”
Becerra emphasized that “This is not just about a single bad report. They challenge researchers, dismiss experts, and disregard scientific evidence. They tell pregnant women and parents that vaccines don’t matter. This is a pathway to public health failure.”
He continued, “We owe it to everyone we serve—regardless of their political affiliation or where they live—to stand up for the facts and protect our families’ safety. Silence isn’t just neutral; it’s a form of surrender.”
Since leaving HHS, Becerra has been vocal about Trump’s policies. When the department announced significant staff cuts, he remarked, “It’s hard to comprehend these cuts.”
“Who will oversee our nursing homes? Who will ensure the safety of products our children use?” he questioned, pointing out the potential dangers of such reductions.
In addition to health-related issues, Becerra also criticized President Trump’s budget proposals that would eliminate a planned national museum dedicated to American Latinos. “I first proposed the law to create the Latin National Museum over two decades ago because our stories matter,” he noted. “Now Trump wants to cancel it before it even starts. Erasing history is not a way to respect it; you need to build on it.”
