RFK Jr Launches Podcast to Expose 'Lies' Making Americans Sick
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a new podcast titled "The Secretary Kennedy Podcast" that he says will usher in "a new era of radical transparency in government." The show, set to debut next week, was announced in a teaser video first obtained by The Associated Press, featuring Kennedy in a slick HHS-branded studio with ominous background music.
Podcast Aims to Name Names and Uncover Corruption
In the 90-second clip, Kennedy bills the podcast as a platform to expose corruption and lies that have made Americans sick. "We're going to name the names of the forces that obstruct the paths to public health," he declares. The show will feature Kennedy in conversation with doctors, scientists, and agency staff, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials who spoke to the AP ahead of the launch.
Part of Broader HHS Rebranding Strategy Amid Setbacks
This new communication effort comes as HHS faces recent setbacks, including:
- Widespread criticism of its vaccine policy changes
- A federal ruling last month blocking several of those moves
- Resistance from key Republican senators that has kept President Donald Trump's surgeon general pick from taking office
The podcast could be seen as part of a broader rebranding strategy as the agency redirects away from vaccine efforts and toward a less contentious agenda on healthy food ahead of November's midterm elections.
Kennedy Returns to Familiar Format
The show, which has been in development since early in the second Trump administration, reflects Kennedy returning to a format where he has long felt at ease. An anti-vaccine crusader and attorney before entering office, he previously hosted his own podcast and has appeared on dozens of others to share his perspectives in longform interviews, as recently as this week.
First Podcast by a Sitting Cabinet Secretary
Tyler Burger, HHS digital communications manager and producer of the new podcast, noted that while Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has a podcast, officials believe Kennedy's will be the first to be hosted by a sitting cabinet secretary. "We're kind of bringing podcasting into the government as an official form and arm of our messaging," Burger said.
The set for the show was pieced together largely with items the agency already had and has capacity for four people to sit in conversation together.
Strategic Outreach and Messaging Goals
Liam Nahill, HHS digital director, stated: "This is part of our larger strategy to bring the Make America Healthy Again message to as wide an audience as we can." Because podcasts are now commonly made in both audio and video formats, they are regularly clipped and shared across social media platforms, giving them "massive" reach, according to Melina Much, a postdoctoral fellow for NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics.
Much added that podcasts tend to be more intimate, conversational, and friendly than traditional interviews, allowing administration officials to promote themselves without facing as much pushback.
Focus on Midterm Election Issues
While Kennedy's teaser focuses on uncovering lies, HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon said the podcast will aim to cover affordability and other topics that polls show are salient for American voters ahead of the midterms. "Americans are united on the need to urgently address chronic disease, improve nutrition, strengthen food quality, and lower health costs," he said. "The Secretary Kennedy Podcast will cover all those issues."
