More than 1,000 employees of the Department of Health and Human Services are speaking out, calling for the resignation of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. due to a series of recent controversial actions at the agency, as The Hill reports.

The call for Kennedy's resignation follows his decision to remove Susan Monarez as CDC director, sparking concerns over what critics say are politically motivated personnel actions.

In a recent letter sent to Kennedy and Congress, these employees expressed their loss of confidence in the secretary's leadership. The move comes after a series of events that began with an August shooting incident at the CDC headquarters.

Triggered by this tragic event, the employees at issue organized a letter initially released on Aug. 20. Since then, nearly 900 additional HHS staff members added their signatures, indicating widespread disapproval of Kennedy's tenure.

This letter, crafted by a group called Save HHS, represents a growing movement within the department. The group claims Kennedy has yet to respond to their demands.

Staff raises concerns about HHS leadership

Amid the unrest, HHS officials have accused Save HHS of exploiting a tragedy for political gain. Meanwhile, Kennedy's critics argue that his leadership actions have damaged the integrity of national health policies.

Under Kennedy's direction, several senior leaders at the CDC have resigned. This mass exodus has left many within the organization concerned about the future direction of U.S. health policy.

These employees, many of whom signed the letter anonymously, say they fear retaliation. Some cite safety concerns but still emphasize the importance of a leadership structure based on independent scientific research.

Calls for resignation emerge

The letter made a poignant appeal as its signatories called for a new leader who values what they characterize as unbiased, peer-reviewed science. The employees clearly stated their belief that Americans' health should not suffer under partisan policymaking.

Expressing deeper concerns, the letter advocates for individuals to be placed in leadership roles who prioritize American health above political influences. They fear that current policies may pose a risk to public health regardless of political affiliation.

In response, HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon defended Kennedy's mission. He emphasized his belief in the necessity of substantial reforms to restore the CDC's global standing.

Response from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s office unfolds

With confidence in Kennedy, Nixon emphasized that reform requires change, both in structure and personnel. He praised Kennedy's accomplishments since taking office, including efforts to combat chronic diseases.

Nixon insists that Kennedy's strategies are grounded in scientific evidence. Despite internal dissent, he highlights what he said was transformative progress achieved under Kennedy's administration.

However, critics continue to challenge the secretary, arguing that his actions contradict the department's commitment to evidence-based science.

As the debate intensifies, the group Save HHS urges Congressional intervention if Kennedy refuses to resign. The letter stresses its signers' belief in the need for qualified leadership that aligns national health policies with credible scientific standards.

What comes next?

With tensions escalating, the long-term impact of current leadership decisions at HHS remains uncertain. Concerns about national health priority persist amid calls for systemic changes.

The unfolding situation at HHS highlights the critical role of trusted public health agencies. Those advocating for reform aim to ensure health policies are resilient and scientifically sound.

For now, the call for Kennedy's resignation underscores a pivotal moment in U.S. health policy administration. It reveals the existence of a persistent debate about the future of one of America's long-respected Cabinet-level agencies.