RFK Jr. Advocates for Native American Chronic Disease Prevention Amid CDC Cuts

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited tribal communities in Arizona and New Mexico in April 2025 to promote chronic disease prevention among Native Americans. During his visits, he highlighted traditional wellness approaches supported by the CDC’s Healthy Tribes initiative, which provided $32.5 million annually for community-based programs. However, significant layoffs—over 30 positions, including 11 from the Healthy Tribes team—have disrupted essential health services, raising concerns among tribal leaders about the federal government’s commitment to its legal trust responsibilities.

Tribal officials and community organizations have been vocal in their criticism of these cuts, emphasizing the need to maintain robust funding and communication channels for health services. While RFK Jr. remained focused on addressing chronic disease risks, he did not publicly mention the program cuts, drawing additional scrutiny of the inconsistency between his public health priorities and administrative actions.