RFK Jr. Under Fire: Layoffs, Budget Cuts & Dave Smith’s Brutal Wake-Up Call

Welcome back to Capitol Breakdown on Decision Points, where we dig into the stories that actually matter during your lunch break. Today we’re diving deep into the fallout from RFK Jr.'s appointment as head of Health and Human Services in the Trump administration — and how it’s igniting backlash from his former supporters, including a blistering response from Libertarian voice Dave Smith.

RFK Jr. built his name fighting environmental polluters, pharmaceutical corruption, and government overreach. His bold, independent 2024 presidential run inspired millions across the political spectrum. But now, as director of HHS, he’s under fire for the massive layoffs and restructuring that are hitting critical health institutions like the NIH, CDC, and FDA — cuts that many say contradict his promises of reform.

Dave Smith, a trusted voice for independent thinkers and a key RFK Jr. supporter during the campaign, recently aired his concerns on Cuomo and Patrick Bet-David’s shows. His blunt message? Layoffs of researchers and backdoor budget reallocations feel like betrayal — not reform. RFK insists programs aren’t being cut, but insiders in D.C. and whistleblowers suggest otherwise. So what’s the truth?

We break it all down with verified numbers, firsthand accounts, and powerful clips — from Cuomo’s shocking showdown with Dave Smith, to the structural shifts that could reshape public health for years to come. Is RFK Jr. being strategic with reforms, or are we watching the slow dismantling of the very agencies he promised to fix? Stick around and decide for yourself.