Chronic Disease, Crisis and the Failure of the CDC

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pointed out that 76.4% of American adults suffer from at least one chronic disease, according to recent CDC data—an alarming increase since 1950, when only 3% of the adult population had such conditions. He also stated that eight out of ten children do not meet the physical requirements to enlist in the armed forces, which he considers a national security risk. Kennedy further criticized the current $1.3 trillion expenditure on treating chronic diseases, compared to zero investment in 1950, and described the health policies promoted by both Republicans and Democrats, including single-payer systems and Obamacare, as ineffective, likening them to “rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

In response, Kennedy pushed for a restructuring of the CDC, firing key officials and members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), arguing that these actions were necessary to restore public trust in the agency. However, these measures sparked controversy: senators from both parties questioned the lack of scientific evidence behind his policies, particularly regarding vaccines and alternative health approaches.

These figures and the current situation reflect a failure of public health policies implemented under Democratic administrations. As the burden of chronic diseases continues to grow and affects the physical readiness of young Americans, the CDC has shown an inability to prevent these issues or implement effective measures, often prioritizing bureaucratic and political agendas over tangible results for the population. Kennedy’s stance highlights the disconnect between progressive public health promises and reality, underscoring the need for a more rigorous, evidence-based approach to address the growing health crisis in the United States.

Video Source: C-SPAN