1A

(dot) Gov: The Government Workers Behind Justice And Intelligence

Jan 9, 2025

Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, Dan Diamond, National health reporter for The Washington Post, and Samuel Bagenstas, former general counsel of HHS, dive into the inner workings of the Department of Health and Human Services. They discuss the profound impact of HHS on American healthcare, potential vaccine policy changes under new leadership, and the looming threat of bird flu. Their insights reveal the tension between political influences and the vital role of career public servants in safeguarding public health.

38:35

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Episode guests

Samuel Bagenstas

Dan Diamond

Julie Rovner

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights the Department of Health and Human Services' vital role in ensuring public health through regulation and funding of health programs.

It warns that potential leadership changes, such as appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could impact vaccine policies and public health trust significantly.

Deep dives

Roles and Responsibilities of HHS

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plays a crucial role in managing health care delivery in America. It administers health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, regulates food and drugs through the FDA, and oversees public health initiatives via the CDC. HHS's functions, including the development and distribution of vaccines, impact Americans' daily lives, often without their knowledge. By ensuring safe food, drugs, and health insurance, HHS operates quietly in the background, maintaining the health and safety of the nation.

Intro

2min

The Vital Role of HHS in American Healthcare

7min

Implications of Vaccine Policy Under New Leadership

11min

Bird Flu Alarm: A New Pandemic Threat

4min

Exploring the Future of Medicare and Medicaid Privatisation

3min

The Role of NIH in Healthcare Standards

6min

The Role of Career Professionals in HHS Decision-Making

4min

Donald Trump and the Department of Justice have a tumultuous relationship to say the least. It's become a focal point of the president-elect's campaign against the federal government. He's threatened to fire many of its employees and frequently brought up issues with the DOJ during his 2024 campaign speeches.

This week, the Justice Department announced its intention to release part of its report on Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election. But officials plan to keep the part of the report detailing his mishandling of files at his Mar-a-Lago resort confidential.

Trump has threatened to fire Jack Smith, the special attorney handling both cases.

As part of our dot Gov series, we take a look at the role the Justice Department plays in our government. We discuss Trump's vision for the agency and what it means for the people who work there.

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