Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Responds to Allegations of External Influence
In a recent Fox News interview, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. found himself navigating troubling claims made by his former running mate, Nicole Shanahan. She suggested that someone other than President Donald Trump is influencing his decisions, a statement that has understandably raised eyebrows.
Shanahan’s comments followed President Trump’s controversial nomination of Casey Means as the new Surgeon General, which seemed to ignite a firestorm of speculation regarding the decision-making dynamics within the HHS.
NEW: RFK Jr is asked about why Dr. Janette Nesheiwat was pulled for Dr. Casey Means and about his former running mate Nicole Shanahan’s comments that he was “being controlled.” pic.twitter.com/dh6cbNzgRv
— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) May 8, 2025
Shanahan expressed her bewilderment, stating, “It’s very strange. Doesn’t make any sense. I was promised that if I supported RFK Jr. in his Senate confirmation, neither of these siblings would be working under HHS or in an appointment (and that people much more qualified would be).” Her statement reveals a sense of betrayal, suggesting that the political landscape may not be as straightforward as it seems.
Yes, it’s very strange. Doesn’t make any sense. I was promised that if I supported RFK Jr. in his Senate confirmation that neither of these siblings would be working under HHS or in an appointment (and that people much more qualified would be). I don’t know if RFK very clearly… https://t.co/KDb5O5MvAM
— Nicole Shanahan (@NicoleShanahan) May 8, 2025
Shanahan’s post intensified speculation further, as she remarked, “I don’t know if RFK very clearly lied to me, or what is going on. It has been clear in recent conversations that he is reporting to someone regularly who is controlling his decisions (and it isn’t President Trump).” Her assertion that the individuals involved behave like “Manchurian assets” paints a vivid and alarming picture of the alleged machinations at play within the HHS.
Despite their previous alliance during the presidential campaign, Shanahan has been vocal in her support for Kennedy’s initiatives at HHS, even hinting at the possibility of funding primary challenges against those who opposed his confirmation. This context adds a layer of complexity to her recent comments.
Wow! @RobertKennedyJr was just asked about his former running mate @NicoleShanahan’s comments that he is “controlled”.
He also was asked why @DoctorJanette was replaced as the US Surgeon General nominee and what he thinks about the critics of @CaseyMeansMD.
I can confirm that… https://t.co/YiNp9TD6eE pic.twitter.com/Xitn3e3s4t
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 8, 2025
Kennedy, however, firmly denied these allegations, reiterating his autonomy in making decisions at HHS. He characterized his policies as aligned with evidence-based science and President Trump’s vision of eliminating corruption and restoring credibility in federal health institutions.
The backdrop to this drama includes claims made by Candace Owens in March 2025, alleging that Kennedy is ensnared in an “elaborate sexual blackmail scheme.” These allegations, which surfaced during her YouTube podcast, implicated journalist Olivia Nuzzi and blogger Jessica Reed Kraus in a supposed plot to manipulate him. Nuzzi, who reportedly engaged in a “digital affair” with Kennedy, had been sending him inappropriate photos, despite her engagement.
Kraus, meanwhile, has been seen frequently at the White House, leveraging her connections to Kennedy, while also having ties to figures like Ghislaine Maxwell—a connection that casts a long shadow over the narrative.
Trump’s New Surgeon General Pick Triggers Massive Backlash — Even RFK Jr.’s VP Nicole Shanahan Weighs In: ‘She Was Bred and Raised as a Manchurian Asset’
