Trump Taps HHS Chief RFK Jr. to Lead ‘Patriot Games,’ Tackle Autism

Former President Donald Trump used a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, late Thursday to highlight U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s role in a new national youth-sports initiative, the “Patriot Games,” scheduled as part of the America 250 celebrations. Trump told supporters the televised competition would be overseen by Kennedy, describing him as “a little different” and well-suited to the task. Trump also said the United States faces its “worst” autism statistics and contended the condition “has to be artificially induced.” He asserted that Kennedy “is gonna change” those numbers, without detailing specific policy measures. Kennedy, who in April dismissed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee, has pledged to identify the cause of what he calls an “autism epidemic” by September through an international testing and research program involving hundreds of scientists. His earlier characterization of autism drew criticism from disability advocates and some lawmakers, who said the comments stigmatize people on the spectrum.