Why a top Cabinet secretary was glaringly missing during Trump's marathon meeting with his closest advisers
Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy was glaring absent from the table at the president's marathon sit down in the Cabinet Room.
Kennedy was on international travel, a spokesperson said.
'Due to long-planned international travel, the Secretary couldn't attend today's Cabinet meeting. However, he remains in constant contact with HHS leadership and today took decisive action by declaring a public health emergency for the State of Texas,' an HHS spokesperson told Daily Mail.
No additional details were given.
Trump held the sixth Cabinet meeting of his administration.
Other prominent secretaries - including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - were present to chat with the president about the work of his administration.
Kennedy is one of the most notorious and controversial cabinet members.
His controversial views on vaccines has led to some accusing him of spreading misinformation on the issue.
In fact several leading medical groups are suing Kennedy over changes to federal COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
The suit - which includes the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians and the American Public Health Association - was filed in federal court and asks for a reversal of Kennedy's decision to remove pregnant women and healthy children from the COVID-19 vaccine schedule.
Kennedy has pushed a Make America Healthy Again agenda - a play off Trump's campaign slogan of Make America Great Again.
But even that plan came under fire when the news outlet NOTUS reported that seven of the more than 500 studies cited in the HHS report - which decried America's food supply, pesticides and prescription drugs - did not appear to have ever been published.
The administration shrugged it off as 'formatting issues.'
President Trump has been supportive of his health secretary.
Kennedy is also moving to ban dyes in food and fluoride in water.
The son of the late Attorney General Robert Kennedy made his own presidential bid as a Democrat before dropping out of the contest and endorsing Trump.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
31 minutes ago
- Reuters
Trump interest in Russia sanctions raises Ukraine allies' hopes
WASHINGTON, July 12 (Reuters) - A bipartisan U.S. bill that would hit Russia with sanctions in a bid to pressure Moscow into good-faith peace negotiations with Ukraine has gained momentum this week in Congress, but it still lacks the presidential push it needs to get over the finish line. Now, Ukraine's supporters in Washington and Kyiv, who have for months hoped for President Donald Trump to throw his weight behind the bill, are anxiously awaiting what the Republican president has said will be a "major statement" on Russia on Monday. Trump, who vowed during his election campaign to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has given no details on what his planned announcement would entail, but over the past few weeks he has grown increasingly and publicly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his reluctance to accept a ceasefire and the growing civilian death toll of Russian attacks. On Tuesday, Trump approved sending U.S. defensive weapons to Ukraine. Two days later, he came closer than ever to endorsing the sanctions bill, although he has not yet signed off on the legislation's text, according to a person with knowledge of his thinking. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters earlier in the week that the Senate could vote on the bill this month. Mike Johnson, the top House Republican, has expressed similar optimism, while Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately told European diplomats that the bill will move imminently, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. "The Senate will move soon on a tough sanctions bill – not only against Russia – but also against countries like China and India that buy Russian energy products that finance Putin's war machine," Graham wrote on X on Tuesday. Still, it was unclear if Trump had given up on pushing for diplomacy with Russia. And the extensive veto power on sanctions that the White House is demanding could render the bill more symbolic than substantive, some supporters acknowledge. Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Friday following his second in-person meeting with Russian Foreign Sergei Lavrov, Rubio said "a new idea" was discussed that he would be taking back to Trump for further consultations. He declined to give further details. "That new concept is – this new approach is not something that automatically leads to peace, but it could potentially open the door to a path," Rubio said. But he also reiterated Trump's frustration over Moscow's unwillingness to be more flexible and said Americans had told the Russians weeks ago that a sanctions bill could well pass. The bill, whose lead sponsors are Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would levy extensive sanctions against various Russian individuals, government bodies and financial institutions. It would also punish other countries that trade with Moscow, imposing 500% tariffs on nations that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly urged Ukraine's Western allies to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow to force the Kremlin to agree to a ceasefire as a step towards reaching an end to the war, now 40 months old. Work on the bill has picked up pace over the last week, according to two U.S. officials. One person familiar with Trump's thinking said the text still needs work. The current version, that person said, does not give the president enough flexibility to carry out his foreign policy agenda independent of Congress. The White House was working with Congress and the bill's sponsors to ensure it would be "an enhancement to the president's foreign policy objectives," that person added. One person with knowledge of the drafting process said congressional staff had been ironing out technical issues in recent days, such as how to keep any sanctions from affecting the operations of the U.S. embassy in Moscow. A spokesperson for Graham told Reuters the bill would probably not come to the floor until the week of July 21 at the earliest, due to other legislative priorities. The House of Representatives, which will need to vote on the measure, leaves for August recess in two weeks, meaning floor time is at a premium. That is particularly true if a Trump request to slash $9.4 billion in spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting - which passed the House and is currently in the Senate - heads back to the House following any changes. Some supporters of the bill acknowledge that the legislation is largely symbolic, given that Trump would have broad authority to veto the sanctions, and in any case could simply issue sanctions from the executive branch if he wishes. "The president already has all these authorities," said one Republican Senate staffer.
Telegraph
39 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Children are far better off playing in the sun than sitting in a stuffy classroom
The American social psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt's bestselling book, The Anxious Generation, argues that the rise of smartphones and so-called helicopter parenting has led to a 'rewiring' of childhood and increased mental illness. Since the emergence of smart phones and social media, traditional play-based childhood activities like free play, outdoor exploration, and spontaneous social interactions have been reduced and replaced by structured activities and screen time. 'Overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world are the major reasons why children born after 1995 became the anxious generation,' he writes. Modern parents are largely to blame for this, not least if they restrict their children's freedom and independence in the real world while failing to adequately monitor and guide their online activities. But schools must also bear their shame of the blame. Nanny-state schooling – and an over-emphasis on emotional validation – has undermined individual responsibility and self-reliance in a generation of young people. This week, we learnt that some headteachers are banning children from playing outside during heatwaves. Pupils are being kept inside for 'hot play' breaks when their playgrounds are deemed to be 'too hot to use safely '. The move is apparently designed to keep children away from outdoor surfaces that can become very hot to touch in the sun. If it wasn't bad enough that schools keep children inside when it's raining, despite the Peppa Pig-esque delight they take in jumping in puddles, we now have 'hot play' on top of 'wet play'. Surely keeping children indoors during hot weather is actually worse for their health than allowing them to play outside? There should be shaded areas in any playground, and children should wear sunscreen and hats, but one of the great things about hot weather is the fun you can have playing in it. If the alternative is sitting inside a stuffy classroom on a screen then it is completely self-defeating. Is it really any wonder so many young people are suffering from anxiety and depression when schools are wrapping them up in this much cotton wool?
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
How to keep dogs cool in hot weather
From burnt paws to heatstroke, dogs and other pets can suffer in the heat. Here's how veterinarians recommend keeping them cool. As heatwaves break out this summer, many pet parents may become concerned about their companions. Our pups may eagerly join us on a sunny trip to the park, but they can have a hard time cooling off and can sustain heat injuries even when temperatures may not feel very hot to humans. While some other pets, such as cats, generally fare better when it comes to avoiding overheating, they can be at risk of too much Sun too. That said, it's possible for pets to enjoy time outside safely in the summer. Here's what experts recommend for keeping dogs and cats safe from the dangers of the heat. Watch out for sudden temperature rises Even when the weather isn't blazing hot, pets can get heat injuries, catching owners off guard. Veterinarians say they often see a spike in heat injuries in dogs during late spring. "We can start seeing heatstroke pretty early, even if the weather itself isn't extraordinarily hot," says veterinarian Amanda Cavanagh, who leads urgent care services at the Colorado State University veterinary hospital. Pet dogs often suffer heat injuries in late spring or early summer for two reasons: their physical fitness is down and they are not acclimatised to the heat. Some owners reduce walks during the colder months, says Katherine Farrell, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist at the University of California, Davis. Then, when the days warm up, they are eager to take their dogs for a long hike, which can expose them to excessive heat. "They didn't anticipate the weather and their pet is not in that great of shape," says Farrell. Canines can be conditioned to endure the heat, with military and police dogs often working through the summer heat, notes Cavanagh. But those German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are exercised throughout the year, maintaining peak physical fitness. Consider your pet's risk factors Some dogs are poorly equipped to shed heat. You might be picturing a fluffy Samoyed, but they are not the worst-suited to the summer. Instead, squish-faced or brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs top the list of dogs most likely to suffer in the Sun. One study found these canines had a risk of heat illness more than four times higher than dogs with longer snouts. Their short snouts are to blame. Dogs mainly get rid of heat through panting, which moves heat out of their airways and into the environment, explains Cavanagh. The water vapour from their respiratory system evaporates, producing a cooling effect. (While dogs can sweat through their paws, this is of minimal significance for cooling, says Farrell). "When you open up the mouth of a German Shepherd or a Labrador, you can see right down into their airway," says Cavanagh. "If you open the mouth of a bulldog, all you'll see is a giant tongue and a big soft palate, and it just looks like jowls and tissue back there." That means they can't open up their airway and get rid of heat. "Having an obstructed airway from being a squishy-face breed is really the highest risk factor," adds Cavanagh. For some dog breeds, a trip to the groomers may help with heat tolerance, as taking off extra length their coats can help them shed heat more easily, says Farrell. But always consult your veterinarian for advice on what's best for your dog. While long coats may be warmer, they are more functional than they seem. A double coat, with short hairs beneath a layer of long fur, can insulate a pet from the heat, provided it's well-groomed and free of mats, says Cavanagh. For dogs with these thick double coats, including huskies and malamutes, the insulation they provide works better if the coat is left intact – meaning a shave can actually make them more vulnerable to overheating, says Farrell. All dog breeds, as well as other furry animals like cats, will benefit from regular brushing to prevent build-up of fur and matting, allowing better airflow and cooling. Overweight pets are also at greater risk of overheating, adds Farrell (it's estimated that over half of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese). Certain medicines can also reduce pets' ability to tolerate heat, she adds. Go outside prepared When the weather warms, start with shorter walks and don't push your dog if they are panting heavily: allow them a few weeks to acclimatise to warmer temperatures. In hot weather it's safer to keep your outings to the early morning and evening, avoiding the middle part of the day. (Read about the science-backed ways to keep yourself cool in a heatwave too). During the midday heat, your pet may not be able to shed the heat they are producing through exercise, leading to a risk of overheating, says Cavanagh. In general, pets can overheat at air temperatures over about 77F (25C), and this risk is far greater when humidity is over 65%, says Ronald Li, an emergency and critical care veterinary specialist at North Carolina State University. "High humidity in the air negates the ability of dogs to cool down by panting," he says, as the humid air reduces evaporation from the dog's tongue. Don't leave your pet in the car or any other enclosed space that could easily heat up to dangerous temperatures, adds Cavanagh. Even on a mild, 70F (21C) day, the temperature in a car can climb almost 20F (11C) in just 10 minutes. Conservatories, sunrooms and caravans can pose a similar risk to both dogs and cats. And outdoor cats looking for a warm spot can end up trapped in overheated sheds and greenhouses, so make sure to check them before locking up. When you do take your dog out, carry water for them and seek shadier spots. Lapping up some water outside recoups water lost through panting and reduces the chance they will guzzle their whole bowl when they get home, which can increase the risk of bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition, says Cavanagh. And remember to check pavement temperatures. While the pads on dogs' feet may seem tough, they can still suffer burns from hot surfaces, says Farrell, who has seen burned paws in canine patients from walking on a hot pavement. If you can't hold your hand on the ground for 30 seconds, chances are it could burn your pet's paws, she says. Try to stick to places where your pet can walk on cooler surfaces like grass or dirt. Choose heat gear wisely If you can't avoid walking on hot pavements, outfitting your dog's paws with boots can help, says Farrell. Be sure to find a good fit, however – ill-fitting ones can create sores on their feet and ankles, adds Cavanagh. Some pet companies market "cooling vests" designed to cool dogs through evaporation. There is some evidence in military working dogs that these vests can cool down canines – at least during a short bout of physical activity. But Cavanagh cautions that the effect doesn't last long: "They work for the first 10 minutes as they absorb all your heat, and then they're like this hot, wet blanket on top of you." If your pet has a pink nose or sparse fur, they might benefit from a coat of children's sunscreen in those areas, says Cavanagh. Cats tend to get skin cancer on their less furry parts such as their ear tips and noses, she says, so sunscreen may benefit pets that like to sunbathe, such as felines that sun themselves by windows. Spot the signs of overheating One of the earliest signs of overheating in dogs is heavy panting beyond what your pet normally sounds like after some zoomies on a cooler day, says Farrell. Noisier breathing, with snoring or high-pitched sounds, is especially concerning – it could mean the airway is swelling and having difficulty dissipating heat. Cats may also start to breathe with their mouth open when they're too hot or otherwise need medical attention, added Farrell. Heatstroke sets in when the body temperature becomes dangerously elevated; in canines, that cut off is generally above 105.8F (41C). When pets get this hot, the nervous system is affected, and you might see them appear disorientated or weak and wobbly, says Cavanagh. In dogs, pink gums turn bright red during heat stroke, she adds. If you see these signs of heatstroke, bring your pet to a veterinarian. If the clinic is more than 10 to 15 minutes journey away, it can help to cool them down at home first, says Farrell – the faster you can bring their temperature down, the lower the risk of serious injuries. A splash of cool water is your best bet – in fact, one 2024 study found that voluntary head dunking in water (by dogs trained to do this by themselves) is more effective than wearing ice packs or wet towels. Hose your pet down with cool water, or dunk them in the bathtub, and run a fan across their wet fur, recommends Farrell. Still, be careful with very cold water or ice, which can cause blood vessels to get smaller, reducing heat dissipation from the body, says Farrell. "Wide open blood vessels help dissipate heat." More like this:• The simple ways cities can adapt to heatwaves• Why your dog loves to roll in poo• The complicated truth about a cat's purr It's important to take action if you think your pet is overheating. Heatstroke can lead to kidney injuries, bruising and internal bleeding, and brain injuries, says Cavanagh. She has seen dogs with heatstroke hospitalised for days to weeks, and many need blood transfusions. "The biggest challenge with heat stroke is not necessarily cooling the animal back down," says Cavanagh. "Being hot can have consequences to all of the organs." The vast majority of pets Cavanagh and Farrell see for heatstroke are dogs. "Cats often times don't get heatstroke from being outside or exercising too vigorously because they're kind of smarter than that," says Cavanagh. "They won't run themselves into a heat stroke episode like our Labradors will." Both mentioned, however, that they occasionally treat felines who have suffered heat stroke from getting trapped in the dryer – a risk to be aware of for the heat-loving creatures. Eager to be at our sides, our canine companions will endure the heat even when it's a risk to their health. It's up to us to prepare them for warm outings and to be on the lookout for signs of overheating. -- For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
