On Oct. 16, 2025, former Vice President Kamala Harris (D) unleashed a scathing critique of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She labeled the agency’s actions as nothing short of “criminal” during a podcast interview.
According to Breitbart, speaking with host Kara Swisher, Harris emphasized her background as the daughter of a scientist while targeting Kennedy’s oversight. She accused HHS of rejecting scientific principles and spreading falsehoods at the highest governmental levels.
“It’s fucked up,” Harris declared, summarizing her disdain for the current state of HHS. From a conservative viewpoint, such harsh language seems more about political theater than substantive policy critique, especially given her party’s own questionable track record on health issues.
Harris’ remarks come amid broader discussions about Kennedy’s leadership at HHS. During the same week, actress Cheryl Hines, Kennedy’s wife, defended his role during a heated exchange on ABC’s “The View,” highlighting the polarized reactions to his tenure. Earlier reports from Breitbart News in January 2025 noted Kennedy’s commitment to the Make America Healthy Again initiative. He has argued this mission is vital for tackling numerous national challenges, a stance that resonates with many seeking tangible reform.
HHS under Kennedy has also made significant policy moves, including stopping federal funds for overseas programs tied to abortion counseling. Additionally, the agency successfully banned mercury in vaccines after prolonged efforts, as reported by Breitbart News.
By September 2025, the food industry began showing substantial progress in aligning with health-focused goals, per Breitbart News. Major strides have been made, reflecting a shift toward prioritizing consumer well-being over profit-driven additives.
Just before Oct. 16, 2025, Tyson Foods announced it would eliminate high-fructose corn syrup and three other additives from its products. This move, as reported by Breitbart News, signals a growing commitment among big food producers to healthier standards.
Kennedy praised this development, noting that roughly 40 percent of the food industry, including giants like Smuckers and General Foods, now supports these initiatives. Tyson, he highlighted, has been at the forefront from the start.
“About 40 percent of the food industry is on board now, including Smuckers, General Foods and many others. It’s all the big producers. And Tyson has been a leader from the beginning. I’m very grateful for their vision and commitment to their customers’ health.” - Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
While Harris rants about “misinformation,” Kennedy’s results—securing industry buy-in for healthier food—speak louder than her rhetoric. Perhaps her frustration stems from seeing actual progress under a Trump-aligned administration, something her tenure couldn’t match.
From a right-of-center perspective, Kennedy’s focus on practical health reforms aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader vision for American renewal. Policies like banning harmful vaccine components show a commitment to protecting citizens, not just scoring political points.
Harris’ accusations of HHS denying science seem ironic when juxtaposed with Kennedy’s concrete achievements. Critics might ask if her outrage is less about facts and more about resisting any success tied to the current administration.
The debate over Kennedy’s leadership isn’t just academic; it reflects deeper divides over how to prioritize national health. While Harris leans on inflammatory soundbites, Kennedy appears focused on measurable outcomes, from vaccines to food safety.
Ultimately, as Americans weigh these contrasting approaches, Kennedy’s track record under HHS offers a refreshing contrast to progressive posturing. If Harris seeks relevance, she might consider engaging with policy substance rather than resorting to crude outbursts.