RFK Jr’s ‘legitimacy’ has ‘expired,’ Democrat Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman says in heated exchange with Health and Human Services secretary
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman found herself in a fiery exchange with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday, leading her to declare that Kennedy’s “legitimacy” as a health official has “expired.” The confrontation occurred during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, where Watson Coleman grilled Kennedy about reorganizations at the agency that have impacted programs aimed at minority and low-income health.
Watson Coleman pressed Kennedy for concrete numbers and explanations regarding the overhaul of programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides crucial support to low-income families for heating and cooling their homes. She expressed deep concern over the elimination of such programs that specifically cater to the needs of marginalized communities.
Kennedy attempted to defend the administration’s energy policies, which he claimed would lower costs for everyone, including low-income families. However, Watson Coleman was not satisfied with his response and accused the Trump administration of carrying out “racist attacks” by dismantling programs that benefit Black Americans.
The exchange between the two escalated, with Watson Coleman questioning Kennedy’s commitment to serving the needs of vulnerable populations. She accused the administration of trying to legitimize racial discrimination by stripping federal programs of terms like “Black,” “race,” and “discrimination.” Kennedy, in turn, defended the administration’s stance on promoting a colorblind society and addressing issues like the maternal health crisis affecting Black mothers.
The tense back-and-forth culminated in Watson Coleman declaring that Kennedy’s legitimacy had expired, signaling a clear rift between the two on critical health and social justice issues. Despite Kennedy’s efforts to explain the rationale behind the administration’s decisions, Watson Coleman remained steadfast in her criticism of the perceived harm being done to minority communities.
The clash between Watson Coleman and Kennedy highlights the deep divisions within the government over health policies and social equity initiatives. As Kennedy prepares to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee later in the day, the implications of this confrontation are likely to reverberate throughout Capitol Hill and beyond.
