1A 'If You Can Keep It': HHS Versus The Science
Sep 8, 2025
In a thought-provoking conversation, Julie Rovner, Chief Washington Correspondent at KFF Health News, Paul Offit, vaccine expert, and Scott L. Greer, health policy professor, tackle the clash between political ideology and scientific consensus in healthcare. They discuss the recent turmoil at HHS and the erosion of trust in health agencies. The trio examines the divisive landscape of vaccine hesitancy and the complex dynamics of public health governance. Can democracy thrive amidst such distrust? Tune in for their insights!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
When Politics Overrides Medical Consensus
- Political ideology can override decades of medical consensus when leaders push anti-science narratives.
- That dynamic erodes trust between agencies, scientists, and the public, creating deep institutional conflict.
A Trusted Advisor Ousted Without Explanation
- Paul Offit describes submitting routine reappointment forms that got blocked at HHS and then losing his committee seat.
- He suspects the hold was retaliation tied to his criticism of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Unprecedented Strain On Public Health Morale
- Julie Rovner says the current political tension is unprecedented and damaging to public health morale.
- She frames the situation as a five-alarm fire threatening the CDC's bipartisan credibility.
