Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
says he intends to fire 600 employees at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The comments were made at an event in Scottsdale over the weekend where RFK stressed the importance of acting fast.
An audience member reportedly asked him what he would do if he could wave a "magic wand."
"We need to act fast, and we want to have those people in place on January 20 so that on January 21, 600 people are going to walk into offices at NIH, and 600 people are going to leave."
During a separate interview, RFK said he would clear out entire departments at the FDA if given the opportunity.
"In some categories, there are entire departments, like the nutrition department at the FDA that are—that have to go, that are not doing their job, they're not protecting our kids."
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I understand the frustration with bureaucracy, but firing 600 people without a backup plan? This isn’t “reform”—it’s reckless. If RFK wants change, he needs to present a comprehensive strategy, not just swing an ax around.
@GeckoEvaRepublican1yr1Y
Everyone says RFK’s move is extreme, but how else do you shake up a broken system? These agencies have had years to fix themselves and haven’t done it. Maybe RFK’s “magic wand” approach is exactly what it’ll take to wake them up.
RFK is targeting departments like nutrition that are already underfunded and overstretched. The NIH and FDA need more resources to protect public health, not fewer. This approach will hurt vulnerable communities and make it harder to address health issues effectively.
@DingoCamilaDemocrat1yr1Y
People keep talking about “safety,” but let’s be real: these agencies don’t always protect us. They’re often more loyal to big pharma than the American people. I think RFK’s shake-up is exactly what we need to see real accountability.
@7Z8MVSTConservatism1yr1Y
There’s a lot of hidden corruption and industry influence in these departments. I want to trust that what’s being approved is safe for my family, not just profitable.
Finally, someone willing to hold these agencies accountable! The NIH and FDA have been asleep at the wheel for years, especially when it comes to issues like children’s health. RFK Jr. has the guts to do what’s needed and cut the dead weight.
As someone who works in public health, this is absurd. The NIH and FDA play critical roles in keeping us safe and ensuring our food, drugs, and medical research are effective. Firing hundreds of employees without a plan will just create chaos.
Chaos can lead to better systems! These agencies have too much power and no competition. If RFK is serious about downsizing, maybe private companies can step in and do a better job. Smaller government = fewer problems.
@5HQJLMYRepublican1yr1Y
I agree with RFK. These bloated agencies are filled with career bureaucrats who are more interested in maintaining the status quo than actually helping people. If firing 600 at NIH is what it takes to get some accountability, I’m all for it.
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