Thomas Corry, the top spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), resigned on Monday after reportedly clashing with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the department's response to the growing measles outbreak.
Corry, who served as the department's assistant secretary of public affairs for roughly two weeks, announced his resignation on Friday in a LinkedIn post, saying his departure was "effective immediately."
"To my colleagues at HHS, I wish you the best and great success," Corry wrote.
Corry's departure was allegedly brought after disagreeing with Kennedy and HHS's deputy chief of staff, Stefanie Spear, over management in addition to concerns over the measles response, two people familiar with the matter told Politico.
Parts of the United States are experiencing a measles outbreak with areas of West Texas seeing the highest number of cases in three decades. So far, at least 146 people have been infected and one unvaccinated school-aged child has died in Texas a result of the outbreak.
However, Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, dismissed concerns last week during President Donald Trump's first cabinet meeting saying outbreaks are "not unusual."
Measles, an extremely contagious virus, was once eliminated in the U.S. thanks to the highly effective and safe vaccine. However, a growing anti-vaccine movement has inspired some parents to not vaccinate their children.
Kennedy stopped short of asking people to get vaccinated in an op-ed for Fox News, published over the weekend, but did encourage parents to "consult their healthcare provider" to "understand their options to get the MMR vaccine."
"MMR vaccine is crucial to avoiding potentially deadly disease." In the article's opening line, RFK Jr stated he is "deeply concerned about the recent measles outbreak."
The remarks appear to mark a U-turn from Kennedy's previous peddling of vaccine skepticism and conspiracy theories, including his promotion of the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism.
Along with his comments about vaccines and autism, the HHS secretary has made other historic inflammatory remarks, including suggesting in January 2022 that Anne Frank was in a better situation when she hid from Nazis than Americans were under Covid-19 mandates.
He also baselessly claimed that Covid-19 was a "bioweapon" that targets "Caucasians and Black people" while sparing Ashkenazi Jewish and Chinese people.
12 Comments
Fuerza
Let's focus on constructive communication and collaboration to find solutions for the current challenges. We need to move beyond divisive rhetoric and work together for the common good.
Manolo Noriega
Kennedy's recent pronouncements are meaningless as long as he continues promoting conspiracy theories and refusing to explicitly condemn anti-vaccine rhetoric.
Fuerza
We appreciate anyone stepping up to address the ongoing issues with vaccine access and hesitancy. Collaboration across different sectors is key to mitigating the outbreak.
Ongania
This is a blatant attempt to cover his tracks and deflect blame. His inflammatory remarks and harmful policies have already caused enough damage.
Manolo Noriega
Wake up, people! Don't let Kennedy fool you. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing, using manipulative tactics to push a dangerous agenda.
ZmeeLove
Kennedy claims to care about the "MMR vaccine crucial to avoiding disease," but his actions speak louder than words. His past and present behavior undermines the fight against measles.
Coccinella
Corry's resignation highlights the dangerous situation at HHS. We must ensure that science, not political agendas, guides our public health policies.
Africa
This is beyond infuriating. Kennedy's irresponsible handling of the measles outbreak could cost lives. His refusal to promote vaccination is putting everyone at risk, especially vulnerable children.
Muchacha
It's important to encourage open dialogue and respectful discussion around vaccination, addressing individual concerns and providing accurate information.
Bella Ciao
We all have a role to play in advocating for the health and well-being of our communities. Let's work together to promote vaccination as a crucial public health measure.
ZmeeLove
Sharing accurate information and supporting evidence-based approaches will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their families.
Answer
We need leaders who prioritize science and public health, not those who spread misinformation and incite fear. Corry did the right thing by standing against dangerous ideology.