Gov. Shapiro Urges Trump to Replace HHS Secretary Amid Measles Crisis
Governor Josh Shapiro calls for the removal of HHS Secretary RFK Jr. as measles cases escalate.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has publicly called for President Donald Trump to dismiss Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the United States grapples with a significant rise in measles cases. Shapiro's remarks came during an exclusive interview with NBC News on September 18, 2026, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the federal response to the outbreak.
Shapiro's Criticism of Federal Response
Governor Shapiro, who has been dealing with a severe measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, criticized Secretary Kennedy's approach to handling the public health crisis. When asked by NBC News' Allan Smith if he would change anything about his own response to the outbreak, Shapiro confidently replied "no," indicating that he believed the issue lay with federal leadership rather than state actions.
Shapiro's comments reflect growing concerns among state leaders about the federal government's ability to manage the escalating measles situation. The governor's call for Kennedy's removal underscores the tension between state and federal authorities as they seek to control the spread of the disease.
Response from Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services responded to Shapiro's accusations, with a spokesperson labeling them as "false and irresponsible." The spokesperson defended Secretary Kennedy's efforts, stating that under his leadership, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched an "aggressive measles response." This includes increased vaccination campaigns and public health advisories aimed at curbing the outbreak.
Despite these efforts, the measles crisis continues to worsen, with Pennsylvania recently reporting its fourth death linked to the disease. The state has been one of the hardest hit, prompting Shapiro to take a more vocal stance against the federal government's handling of the situation.
RFK Jr.'s Controversial Stance
Secretary Kennedy, known for his controversial views on vaccinations, has faced criticism for his participation in an anti-vaccination conference amid the rising number of measles cases. His stance has been a point of contention for many public health officials and has fueled debates over his suitability for the role of HHS Secretary.
As the measles outbreak continues to spread across the country, the call for Kennedy's removal places additional pressure on the Trump administration to address growing public health concerns. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by health officials in combating vaccine misinformation and ensuring public safety.
The measles crisis, coupled with the political ramifications of Shapiro's statement, suggests that the issue will remain a focal point in discussions about public health policy and federal leadership in the coming months.