February 16, 2026
February 16, 2026
Health Care Group’s Shocking Call for RFK Jr. to Resign

Health Care Group’s Shocking Call for RFK Jr. to Resign

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Health care group wants RFK Jr. to ‘resign’ after cocaine confession

For a news article illustration, generate an image presenting a health care group of four members: a Caucasian female doctor, a Hispanic male nurse, a Middle-Eastern female pharmacist, and a South Asian male physiotherapist engaged in a serious meeting. Show a computer screen in the middle of the table, clearly displaying an email sent by the group. The message on the screen should read, 'We respectfully request your resignation for the best interests of public health.', but no name should be outlined to keep anonymity.

Health care group wants RFK Jr. to ‘resign’ after his recent sensational admission of past cocaine use. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), revealed on a podcast that he once snorted cocaine off toilet seats during his struggle with drug addiction. The confession, aired on comedian Theo Von’s show This Past Weekend on February 12, 2026, has sparked intense backlash from health care advocates and political opponents alike, leading some to question his fitness to lead a federal agency pivotal to public health.

The impact of RFK Jr.’s cocaine confession on public perception

Kennedy’s candid revelation about his drug use may have been intended as a moment of honesty, but it quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. As the head of HHS, Kennedy holds significant influence over health policy across the United States, including managing responses to drug crises, promoting vaccine safety, and guiding regulations affecting millions of Americans.

Protect Our Care, a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to ensuring affordable and quality health care, was one of the first organizations to respond publicly. Their statement condemned Kennedy’s comments, arguing that his history and his willingness to openly disclose such behavior while occupying a critical leadership role make him unsuitable to serve effectively in HHS.

Brad Woodhouse, president of Protect Our Care, responded succinctly to the scandal with a one-word demand: “Resign.” This blunt statement reflects not only a loss of confidence but also growing concerns about Kennedy’s approach to governance and health policy leadership.

Mounting controversies around Kennedy’s tenure

Kennedy’s tenure as HHS secretary has been fraught with controversy well before this confession, with critics highlighting his unconventional views on several health issues. Known for his skepticism toward vaccines, fluoride treatments, and certain dietary guidelines, he has often clashed with mainstream scientific consensus and health authorities.

These contentious positions have already made many health care professionals and advocacy groups question his qualifications and judgment. The cocaine admission, in this context, further undermines his credibility in the eyes of skeptics, suggesting a pattern of behavior and decision-making that could jeopardize public trust in vital health institutions.

What does this mean for the future of HHS leadership?

Calls for Kennedy’s resignation underscore a broader debate about accountability and leadership standards within federal agencies dealing with public health. While personal histories of addiction should not automatically disqualify someone from public service, transparency and the ability to safeguard public confidence are essential for high-ranking officials, especially in health care sectors.

The HHS oversees policies involving not just drug enforcement and prevention but also immunization programs, health insurance frameworks, and responses to emerging health crises. Leadership that is perceived as “ill-suited” or compromised risks weakening the effectiveness of these programs and can invite skepticism from the public, potentially impacting compliance and health outcomes nationwide.

The response from government and public health experts

As of now, USA TODAY has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services for an official comment regarding the controversy. Many health policy analysts suggest that the situation calls for careful assessment but warn against allowing personal scandals to overshadow the importance of sustained and science-based health governance.

Regardless of political ideology, experts emphasize that anyone entrusted with such a vital portfolio must maintain integrity, uphold evidence-based standards, and foster public trust. Whether or not Kennedy will step down remains uncertain, but the vocal demand from Protect Our Care and other advocacy groups signals that pressure is unlikely to subside soon.

Conclusion

The health care group’s demand that RFK Jr. resign following his admission of cocaine use represents not just a reaction to a damaging personal revelation but a larger concern about leadership efficacy and public confidence in health institutions. At a time when the nation continues to face complex health challenges, ensuring that HHS is led by individuals with sound judgment and unwavering commitment to public welfare remains paramount. The unfolding developments will be closely watched by those invested in the future of American health policy and governance.