Alsobrooks, public health advocates warn of a 'leadership vacuum' at HHS under RFK Jr.

June 3, 2026 - 22:04

U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks is once again demanding the ouster of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., warning that his leadership is creating a dangerous vacuum at the agency. The Maryland Democrat's renewed criticism comes as international health authorities grapple with deadly outbreaks of hantavirus and Ebola, which she says require steady, science-based federal coordination.

Alsobrooks and a coalition of public health advocates argue that Kennedy's tenure has been marked by a pattern of skepticism toward established medical protocols and a lack of decisive action. They claim this has left the United States ill-prepared to respond to emerging threats. "We cannot afford a leadership vacuum at HHS when the world is facing two serious viral outbreaks," Alsobrooks said in a statement. "The Secretary's record of promoting unproven treatments and questioning vaccine safety undermines public trust at a moment when clear communication is critical."

The senator pointed to recent reports of hantavirus cases linked to rodent exposure in the Southwest and the spread of a new Ebola strain in Central Africa. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued travel notices, critics say HHS has not provided robust funding or strategic guidance to state health departments. Public health experts fear that without strong federal direction, local systems will be overwhelmed.

Kennedy has defended his approach, arguing that his focus on chronic disease prevention and environmental toxins is a necessary shift. However, Alsobrooks insists that his leadership style has created confusion and delayed emergency responses. She has called for bipartisan hearings to examine the department's readiness. The push to remove Kennedy is expected to face steep opposition in a divided Congress, but Alsobrooks says the stakes are too high to remain silent.