Trump Witnesses Collapse Under Cross-Exam at Hearing

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Trump Witnesses Collapse Under Cross-Exam at Hearing
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host/Author: MeidasTouch Network

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Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into a high-stakes congressional hearing featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of RFK Jr.'s performance under intense cross-examination by Democratic senators, highlighting the overarching themes of governmental accountability, public health policies, and political maneuvering.

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Main Discussion

1. Senator Chris Murphy's Rigorous Cross-Examination

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Senator Chris Murphy's stern questioning of RFK Jr. Murphy relentlessly challenges the Secretary on significant budget cuts and policy inconsistencies.

• Budget Cuts to Public Health Grants:
  • [02:08] Senator Murphy: "You've canceled $12 billion in grants to the states... used to administer and track vaccines."
  • [03:01] Senator Murphy: "You promised Chairman Cassidy that the FDA would not change vaccine standards from historical norms."

Murphy emphasizes the detrimental impact of these cuts, comparing RFK Jr.'s stance on vaccines to offering a toxic lake for swimming, encapsulating the tension and gravity of the discussion.

• RFK Jr.'s Stance on Vaccine Safety:
  • [03:48] RFK Jr.: "All true."
  • [03:51] RFK Jr.: "Do you want me to lie to the public?"

Despite RFK Jr.'s assertions, Murphy presses on, highlighting inconsistencies and the adverse effects of reduced funding on public health initiatives.

2. Senator Tammy Baldwin Probes NIH Funding and Staff Cuts

Senator Tammy Baldwin takes the floor to question RFK Jr. about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the ramifications of staff reductions.

• Impact on Critical Health Programs:
  • [04:02] Senator Baldwin: "For stage four cancer patients like Natalie, this could mean the difference between life and death."
  • [07:11] Senator Baldwin: "I want an answer back by that. She deserves it."

Baldwin criticizes RFK Jr.'s inability to provide immediate answers regarding the NIH's capacity to handle critical health cases, underscoring the human cost of administrative decisions.

3. Senator Pete Murray Focuses on Public Health and Fetal Safety

Senator Pete Murray addresses RFK Jr. on the specifics of the Safe to Sleep campaign and other public health concerns.

• Mismanagement of Health Programs:
  • [05:38] Senator Murray: "Madam Chair, I didn't ask for a response yet."
  • [06:09] Senator Murray: "You fired every single person in this Office as of April 1st."

Murray highlights the repercussions of RFK Jr.'s staffing decisions, questioning the efficacy and commitment to maintaining essential health services.

4. Senator Josh Hawley's Scrutiny on FDA Policies

Senator Josh Hawley engages RFK Jr. regarding the administration's approach to reviewing and regulating medications like mifepristone.

• Comprehensive Review of Medications:
  • [23:41] RFK Jr.: "I've asked Marty McCary, who's director of FDA, to do a complete review and report back."

Hawley pushes for accountability and transparency in the FDA's processes, with RFK Jr. committing to a thorough reevaluation of existing drug policies.

5. Congressman Garcia's Appeal to Humanize Asylum Processes

Congressman Robert Garcia criticizes RFK Jr. on the handling of asylum seekers, emphasizing the human element often lost in bureaucratic discussions.

• Case of Andrew Romero:
  • [17:24] Senator Cassidy: "Can we check and do a wellness check on him?"
  • [19:48] Senator Cassidy: "I think it is shameful that you won't even request to see if this young man is alive."

Garcia underscores the emotional and ethical dimensions of policy decisions, urging for compassionate governance.

6. Senator Kim's Concerns Over Health Program Cuts

Senator Kim questions RFK Jr. about the administration's cuts to health programs, particularly those related to World Trade Center health initiatives.

• Restoration Efforts Amid Budget Cuts:
  • [20:21] Senator Kim: "I just need to hear from you, I promise."
  • [21:07] RFK Jr.: "I restored the staff to that program."

Kim seeks clarity on the reasons behind the initial cuts and reassures listeners of ongoing restoration efforts, though RFK Jr. acknowledges previous mistakes in budgeting.

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Host's Commentary and Analysis

Throughout the episode, the hosts interject with critical and often sardonic commentary on RFK Jr.'s responses and the senators' pressing questions. They emphasize RFK Jr.'s perceived lack of preparedness and understanding of fundamental health policies. The hosts also highlight the broader political narrative, contrasting Democratic scrutiny with Republican strategies aimed at cutting Medicaid funding.

• Host's Critique of RFK Jr.:

  • [04:15]: "That's how you do it. You just ask the simple questions and you'll see that people like RFK Jr have no clue what the hell he is talking about."

• Discussion on Medicaid Cuts:

  • [25:21]: "The Energy and Commerce Committee, $880 billion in Medicaid getting cut... We are kicking 1.4 million illegal aliens off of this program."

The hosts advocate for the Democrats' rigorous oversight while denouncing Republican approaches as harmful and indifferent to public welfare.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Senator Chris Murphy on Vaccine Standards:

  • [03:01] "As soon as you were sworn in, you announced new standards for vaccine approvals that you proudly referred to in your own press release as a radical departure from current practice."

• Senator Tammy Baldwin on NIH Cuts:

  • [09:09] "You have to fix this. I want to know and I want a personal update on Natalie's case."

• Senator Josh Hawley on FDA Review:

  • [24:28] "You would commit to just letting his mother know as a mother to mother."

• Host on Medicaid Cuts:

  • [25:25] "But RFK Jr's attack on science. Look what the US Is doing to universities and Harvard."

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Conclusion

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a critical examination of RFK Jr.'s testimony before Congress, showcasing the intense political battles shaping U.S. health and foreign policies. Through incisive analysis and sharp commentary, the Meiselas brothers highlight the implications of leadership decisions on public health, scientific integrity, and humanitarian efforts. The hosts underscore the importance of accountability and informed policymaking in safeguarding democracy and public welfare.

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Stay Connected:
For more insights and detailed discussions, subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast every Tuesday and Friday morning. Join the MeidasMighty community and stay updated with breaking news and live sessions on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel every Monday and Thursday night at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

Transcript

[Host]

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[RFK Jr.]

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[Host]

Which means that Odoo is exactly what every business needs.

[RFK Jr.]

Learn more and sign up [e-mail] that's.

[Host]

Od o o.com them Dems are at it again. Some scathing cross examination of these MAGA Republican witnesses and particularly these Trump Cabinet members, one by one, testifying in Democratic senators smacking them down. Democratic House members smacking them down. Let's talk about what went Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who's just been crushing it lately on a tear of MAGA frauds, liars and grifters. Here's Senator Murphy laying down the law with RFK Jr. Watch what goes down. Play this clip.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Appropriated by Congress for the purpose of vaccination programs. That is not what happened. You've done the opposite. You canceled $12 billion in grants to the states, including my state, that are used to administer and track vaccines. You promised Chairman Cassidy.

[RFK Jr.]

When did I do that?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Madam Chair, would you allow me to finish my question?

[RFK Jr.]

When did I do that?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Let me finish my question.

[RFK Jr.]

Just tell me when I did it so I can understand what the question is.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

You have canceled $12 billion in public health grants to states. Whether you know this or not, that funding is used by the states in part to be able to administer and dispense information about vaccines. Mr. Secretary, let me give you. Let me. Let me give you the full panoply.

[RFK Jr.]

Of accusations we said before.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

The things you said before this committee that didn't turn out to be true. You also promised Chairman Cassidy that the FDA would not change vaccine standards from, quote, historical norms. But what happened? As soon as you were sworn in, you announced new standards for vaccine approvals that you proudly referred to in your own press release as a radical departure from current practice. And experts say that that departure will delay approvals. You also said, specific to the measles vaccine, that you support the measles vaccine, but you have consistently been undermining the measles vaccine. You told the public that the vaccine wanes very quickly. You went on the Dr. Phil show and said that the measles vaccine was never fully tested for safety. You. You said there's fetal debris in the measles vaccine. And this morning.

[RFK Jr.]

All true.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

All true this morning in fetal.

[RFK Jr.]

Do you want me to lie to the public?

[Senator Chris Murphy]

That's not. None of that.

[RFK Jr.]

Is none of that. Of course it's true. Of course it's true. Senator. Senator Egging, your progress. Do not know what you're talking about.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

For the record, let's have a little bit of order so that you can get.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Madam Chair. I didn't ask. I didn't ask for a response yet.

[Host]

I understand.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

I'd like to lay out the predicate of my question before I'm interrupted by the witness. He should have some respect for this committee.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

Go ahead.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Just this morning, in front of the House of Representatives, you also said that you, in fact, would not recommend that kids get vaccinated for measles. You said you would just lay out the pros and cons. So this is the summation of everything that you have said to compromise people's faith in the measles vaccine in particular is contrary to what you said before this committee. You said you support the measles vaccine, but then you have laid out a set of facts that are contested. And I will submit information for the record from experts who contest what you've said about the vaccine. And the result is to undermine faith in the vaccine. It's kind of like saying, listen, I think you should swim in that lake. But, you know, the lake is probably toxic, and there's probably a ton of snakes and alligators in that lake, but I think you should swim in it.

[Host]

What a humiliating appearance. Not just for RFK Jr. Who's the secretary of Health and Human Services, but for the entire regime and frankly, the entire United States of America. And Having someone so pathetic, by the way, who also testified, do not rely on me for any medical or health guidance. Dude, you're the Secretary of Health and Human Services. You don't want to follow my advice on vaccines. I know we don't. That's why you're not qualified for that position. Let's take a look at Democratic Senator also Brooks from Maryland. Play this clip.

[Senator Murray]

Well then you can you name, sir, which office the Safe to Sleep campaign operates out of.

[RFK Jr.]

Which campaign?

[Senator Murray]

Well, that's the one that the senator just asked you about two minutes ago that prevents babies from dying in their sleep. A 30 year program inside your agency, you would agree that it's important?

[RFK Jr.]

I think it's part of HRSA or acf. It's acf.

[Senator Murray]

No, actually it's in Health and Human Services and I think.

[RFK Jr.]

And again, they're all within Health and Human Services. But the subdivision is acf.

[Senator Murray]

No, actually the name of the children and families. No, let me tell you what it is. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This is actually the one that your aunt Eunice Kennedy Shriver is the person who it's named after. And you noted just a moment ago the Senator reminded you that although this is a very important agency prevents babies from dying, this is the same one. You fired every single person in this Office as of April 1st.

[RFK Jr.]

First.

[Host]

See, he doesn't even know the most basic basic things. Let's take a look at Democratic Senator Murray. Let's play this clip.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

But to delay her treatment by an additional four weeks. Now, an extra four weeks may not sound like a long time, but I will tell you for stage four cancer patients like Natalie, this could mean the difference between life and death. Secretary Kennedy, how many staff have been cut from the NIH's Clinical Center? I want a specific number.

[RFK Jr.]

I can't tell you that now, Senator Murray, what I can tell you is that if you contact my office tomorrow, I'll look specifically into that.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

Well, that is not acceptable. I want an answer back by that. She deserves it. I do it. She doesn't have much time. She deserves an answer back.

[RFK Jr.]

Wouldn't you rather get hurry into that clinical trial as fast as you can?

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

Absolutely.

[RFK Jr.]

All right, so Kylie, if you contact my office tomorrow, this is a.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

If that happens, you are here to defend your budget. I'm here to ask you questions about the impact of that.

[Host]

That's how you do it. You just ask the simple questions and you'll see that people like RFK Jr have no clue what the hell he is talking about. And hear under more questioning, RFK Jr admits that NIH cuts will hurt people. Surprise, surprise. When you cut the National Institute of Health and the center for Disease Control. Yeah. When you start firing the people who look over infectious diseases. Yeah. Similarly, when you get rid of people who deal with emergency disaster relief like fema, that's bad. And now it's a ticking time bomb waiting for the next disaster to unfold. Here, play this clip.

[RFK Jr.]

You don't care. You don't care about Natalie. I've offered to help Natalie.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

I am asking you a question, and it is critical. You are here to defend cutting NIH by half. Do you genuinely believe that that won't result in more stories like Natalie's?

[RFK Jr.]

I think the cuts that are now proposed by NIH are going to hurt. I think President Trump, you know, listen, there's no agency head in the government like myself that wants to see their budget cut.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

Well, I asked you, have you personally assessed what this is doing to patients? And I am telling you one story of one person. It is impacting life or death situation. I think it's.

[RFK Jr.]

You want me to answer your question, Senator?

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

Well, you did.

[RFK Jr.]

I am not. You have not allowed me to answer it.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

Well, I will just say that it is most my job to be a voice for people like Natalie and countless other patients who are like her. So you've got to fix this. I want to know and I want a personal update on Natalie's case. And you offered that. Please give that to me in the next 24 hours. And I expect details and transparency about the state of NIH clinical care.

[RFK Jr.]

You contact my office. Senator, I think you could contact everything in my power to try to get Natalie. To try to get Natalie into the office.

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[Host]

Next up, you even have a Republican senator, Senator Cassidy here asking a very basic question of RFK Jr. How will the NIH successfully do more with less? You fired all these people, so how are you going to do better? To which RFK Jr said, well, we got rid of diversity, so we got rid of diversity, so we're going to be much better. China doesn't have diversity. The hell is this guy talking about? Play this clip. How will the NIH successfully do more with less?

[Senator Cassidy]

How we build those new scientists to.

[Host]

Find these cures and to compete with geopolitical rivals.

[RFK Jr.]

Well, for one thing, Senator Cass, you're talking about neurodegenerative disease now, for example, ALS or Alzheimer's. Als, Right. The Chinese are not spending a lot of money on dei and we are cutting those studies. We're cutting studies on gain of function studies and we're cutting grants to foreign scientists from adversarial countries and particularly the Chinese, which have the Thousand Talents program which is openly trying to exploit US Research and take our ip.

[Host]

If you want to know what's really going on and what you should be worried about because of your cuts, because of your hateful and despicable rhetoric, your attack on science and scientists and researchers. You know who's recruiting our scientists? China, South Korea, Taiwan, Europe, Canada. They're out there saying, look, make a lot of money in our countries being a scientist and a researcher. The United States is no longer friendly to science. They attack and hate science. Look what the US Is doing to universities and Harvard. Just look what they're doing. Come to our country. We'll pay you well. We'll will give you the life you deserve. So now we're having reverse brain drain where there used to be brain drain from the rest of the world. And America would get the best and brightest scientists and researchers and academics and inventors. Now they're leaving the United States and they're Being recruited by China and other countries. That's what's going down. Let me show you what went down when Senator Bernie Sanders was questioning RFK Jr. Play this clip.

[RFK Jr.]

68,000 people a year die because they don't get to a doctor when they should. Is health care a human right? Will you work with us to guarantee health care to every man, woman and child in America? Well, I think you're asking two different questions. You're asking a philosophical question about whether it is a human life, like a constitutional right. As an attorney, I would say that it's not a right of a kind that we otherwise enshrine in the Constitution because healthcare costs your neighbor money. If I smoke cigarettes for 20 years, I make that choice, which is my choice. I don't mean to, you know, I don't have a lot of time, so I just. I am here. If you ask a question, if you're asking me a philosophical question, I gotta, you know, give you a thoughtful answer within 30 seconds. Yeah, it's a problem. It's not like freedom of speech, which costs, you know, every. But every other country, Mr. Secretary, every other country guarantees health care to all.

[Senator Cassidy]

People as a right.

[RFK Jr.]

Should we as Americans? The objective is to get Americans the level of health care. If they want the choice, which Americans want American. I don't want the choice to be uninsured. Well, but they don't want the choice to die because they don't get to a doctor. Americans prefer private insurance to other insurance sources.

[Host]

Now, our friend here at the Midas Touch Network, Senator Tammy Baldwin, got her shot at questioning RFK Jr. Play this clip.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

The request for federal assistance was denied because of lack of staff. The entire childhood lead poisoning branch has been fired. In the words of a Milwaukee mom, it really sends a message of, you don't matter. I don't know what you would say to parents who must now test their children for lead and deal with school closures, but do you intend to eliminate this branch at cdc, yes or no?

[RFK Jr.]

No, we do not.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

Okay. Because you cannot tell us that you want to make America healthy again when you are willfully destroying programs that keep children safe and healthy from lead poisoning. Congress dedicated $51 million in funding for this particular program. But when a community asks for help to prevent lifelong complications for children and there is no one there to pick up the phone, and it's not because this program is ineffective. It's because you fired the entire team whose job it is to support the communities like Milwaukee.

[RFK Jr.]

If that money has been appropriate, we will spend that Money. If it's been appropriate to Milwaukee, we will spend it. Milwaukee. I've spent a lot of time in Milwaukee.

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

We'll provide expert. And the entire staff has been fired.

[Host]

Another great clip here of Senator also Brooks. Let's play it.

[Senator Murray]

You've been unable to answer specific questions. Sir, you are the wrong person for this job. And you had in this hearing today the unmoved, mitigated gall to say at the beginning of your testimony that China is ahead of the United States in health care because China does not have dei.

[RFK Jr.]

I didn't say that.

[Senator Murray]

Well, we can roll back the tape.

[RFK Jr.]

You absolutely will find. I didn't say that.

[Senator Murray]

That is absolutely what you said.

[RFK Jr.]

I was talking about science. I didn't say they're ahead of us. They're ahead of us in some forms of science, certainly not in healthcare.

[Host]

And here's our friend at the Midas Touch network. Democratic Congress member from California, Congressman Garcia, Robert Garcia. Here's what he had to say to Kristi Noem, Miss Dog Killer cosplayer herself. Let's play this clip now.

[Senator Cassidy]

Madam Secretary, I want you've heard this case today, but I have to have to speak about it one more time. I think it's really important. This is Andrew Romero. He had an appointment to come to this country to claim asylum. We gave him that appointment. The United States government gave him his asylum appointment. He comes for his appointment. He passes a credible fear interview. He's a gentle person as described by his family. He's openly gay. He was leaving his country for persecution of being gay. He did everything right, claimed asylum that was legal. And then we sent him to a dangerous prison at the border with no due process. There are claims about his tattoos. He has his parents names on his tattoos and two crowns that relate to a festival back in his hometown. We are paying to lock this young gentleman up forever. What I would ask is the ambassador in El Salvador? We have asked for proof of life of Andri. He has had no access to lawyers or family since he has been taken over a month now. No one knows if he's even alive. His mother just wants to know if he is alive. So my ask to you, Madam Secretary, is the same that I asked the ambassador. Can we do a proof of life check on Andrea just to see if he is alive?

[Host]

Congressman, we are utilizing the tools that Congress has given us to apply due process to individuals. We are doing that for every person and we are making sure that we're following what you have given us as far as.

[Senator Cassidy]

Would you commit to just letting his mother know as a mother to mother. If Andre is alive, he was given an asylum appointment by the United States government. We gave him an appointment. We said, Andrew, come to the border at this time to claim asylum. He was taken to a foreign prison in El Salvador. His mother just wants to know if he is alive. Can we check and do a. A wellness check on him?

[Host]

Our asylum applications are different than the granting of asylum. And I don't know the specifics of this individual case. This individual is in El Salvador and the appeal would be best made to the President and to the government of El Salvador on this. We. We.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

We made.

[Host]

Not under my jurisdiction.

[Coffee Geek]

Madame Secret.

[Senator Cassidy]

You have said that you that seek in El Salvador is one of the tools in the toolbox that you have. You have said that and has been quoted as saying that you and the President have the ability to check if Andrew is alive and if he's not being harmed, would you commit at least into looking and asking El Salvador if he is alive?

[Senator Tammy Baldwin]

This is a question that's best asked.

[Host]

To the President and the government of El Salvador.

[Senator Cassidy]

And I think it's. I think you know very well that you could ask that question. What you're choosing to do, Madam Secretary, is disregard this young man's life, this young man's family who was given an appointment by the United States. I think it is shameful that you won't even request to see if this young man is alive. His family has no idea, has no access to lawyers. I would hope that we would have the humanity, the humanity to just check if this young man is okay with that. I yield back. It's shameful.

[Host]

Next up, the freshman Democratic senator from New Jersey. Senator Kim had his shot asking RFK Jr. Some questions. Let's play it.

[Senator Kim]

Hey, I had a town hall. I had a fire captain show up to this town hall. Somebody who worked at ground zero. And he is somebody who said he was diagnosed with cancer. He said he's on borrowed time and he was livid, absolutely livid about what he said the administration gutting the World Trade center health program. And we've talked through some of these cuts that have happened before. Some staff cuts, some may be brought back on the administrator cut. I just need to hear from you, I promise. As fire captain, I ask you about this. What in the world happened? Why was the staff cut for this program? What are we to expect going forward?

[RFK Jr.]

I restored the staff to that program.

[Senator Kim]

Why was it cut to start with?

[RFK Jr.]

It was, you know, it was part of the overall budget cuts. Our agency was asked to make very, very serious budget cuts that were going to be painful and some of them should not have been made and that was one that should not have. And I reversed it.

[Senator Kim]

Were you unaware or were you aware that the decision to cut NIOSH staff would cut that World Trade center health program?

[RFK Jr.]

Well, you know, my agency is the biggest agency in government. It's twice the size of the Pentagon. It represents about 20% of the U.S. economy. We have hundreds of institutes and sub agencies. We try to be as careful as we can about what we cut and what we didn't. We made a couple of mistakes.

[Senator Kim]

I don't think we're trying to be as careful as you can. I mean, that's the problem that we've seen by rushing these decisions. This was, I know, early in your time there, Senator.

[RFK Jr.]

I understand, I understand that if you look at this from a distance, you'd say why don't you just do this surgically and cut one person at a time. This agency has grown so big so fast and everybody who comes in says I'm going to cut it down and nobody's been able to do it. There was an understanding that the longer that you wait, the more the inertia kicks in. And we had to act quickly so that we can do something for the American people that is lasting. And we understood that there would be some mistakes made and that we would go back and reverse them when they were made. But it was more important to do decisive action quickly that could eliminate the metastasizing of this agency to, you know, which was growing and growing, growing as our health declined.

[Senator Kim]

So where is this going to land now? Can you tell us right now that the World Health Trade center health program will go back to where it was before you became Secretary?

[RFK Jr.]

That program will continue. It will be continuity.

[Host]

On the other hand, you had Senator Hawley from Missouri, maga Republican, used his questioning, as Aaron Rupert says, to push RFK Jr into further restricting mifepristone. That's how they're spending their time. Play this clip. The incidence of serious adverse health events.

[RFK Jr.]

So my question to you is this.

[Host]

You previously testified to the committee that.

[RFK Jr.]

You would do a top to bottom review of mifepristone.

[Host]

Mifepressone is subject to a REMS currently.

[RFK Jr.]

You have said you'll do a top to bottom review.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Do you continue to stand by that? And don't you think that this new data shows that the need to do a review is in fact very pressing?

[RFK Jr.]

I think first of all, it validates the CAST study which is previously probably the most comprehensive data that we've seen on it, and it's alarming. And clearly it indicates that at very least the label should be changed. I've asked Marty McCary, who's director of FDA, to do a complete review and report back. Good.

[Host]

Now, this is the actual quote that just came from, as I said earlier, from Trump, Secretary of Health and Human Services. My opinions for vaccines are irrelevant. I don't think people should take medical or health advice from me. You're the Secretary of Health and Human Services Services here. Play this clip. Something that might be helpful is you've previously said you vaccinated your children just because. I think this is a helpful answer. And this isn't a gotcha, I promise. If you had a child today, would you vaccinate that child for measles?

[RFK Jr.]

For measles, probably for measles. I, you know, what I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant. I have directed J. Bhattachara.

[Host]

Sure. No, like I said, I don't want.

[RFK Jr.]

To so that everybody can make that decision. But I, you know, I don't want to seem like I'm being evasive.

[Host]

Yeah.

[RFK Jr.]

But I don't think people should be taking advice. Medical advice. Right. Me.

[Senator Chris Murphy]

Right.

[Host]

No, I got that. And I'm not asking you to give them medical advice, but would you vaccinate your child for me?

[RFK Jr.]

Answer that question directly and it will seem like I'm giving advice to other people, and I don't want to be doing that. I want people to make.

[Host]

But that's kind of your jurisdiction, because CDC does give it advice. Advice. Right. I'm not trying to do it as a gotcha as just got, but I just want to show you, too, what's brewing with these MAGA Republicans, like MAGA Republican Mark Alford right here. So they're fighting with each other over the fact that the MAGA Republicans in the House, by and large, want to get rid of Medicaid. Right now. Medicaid's on the chopping blocks. If you look at what's going on in the Energy and Commerce Committee, $880 billion in Medicaid getting cut. You will lose your Medicaid. Medicaid the way it is right now, period, full stop. There's no ambiguity of what is actually happening right now. Now, vulnerable members in Congress, like some members in New York, for example, and other seats, they're worried that it could look bad if people lose Medicaid. They're not worried about people suffering and dying. They're worried about it looking bad. And, and then you have the other MAGA Republican Congress members who don't care if it looks bad and they don't care if their own people are going to lose Medicaid in their states. They're just saying we want our people to die in our states because they like to see death and cruelty. I mean, just listen to what MAGA Republican Mark Alford saying. Here, play this clip. Thanks for having me on. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Senator Josh Hawley. We just dropped his bill in the House today, the Pelosi act, which bans members of Congress from trading individual stocks. We're lying aligned on that. We're not aligned on the terminology, let's put it that way for Medicaid. He calls them cuts, I call them savings. Look, we are kicking 1.4 million illegal aliens off of this program. 1.6 million Americans are now enrolled in Medicaid in at least two different states. We are finding the savings in these programs to come up with $900 billion. It was to be 880. They've come up with 900 billion over 10 years saving so that we can properly fund the program for people who are truly in need of these services. Well, there you have it folks. Let me know what you think about all of this. But again, Democrats with some brilliant, sharp, pointed, direct cross examination hit subscribe. Let's get to 5 million subscribers. Thank you for watching. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for ad. Free articles, articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].