Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
HHS Spokesman Michael Caputo Undergoes Surgery For Cancer
Buffalo News: Michael Caputo Receives 'Metastatic Head And Neck Cancer' Diagnosis
Michael R. Caputo, the East Aurora political consultant at the center of controversy over the Trump administration's Covid-19 messaging, has been diagnosed with cancer. Assemblyman David J. DiPietro, R-East Aurora, acting as Caputo's spokesman, said Thursday that the Health and Human Services spokesman on leave from his assistant secretary post has "squamous cell carcinoma, a metastatic head and neck cancer which originated in his throat." (McCarthy, 9/24)
USA Today: Top HHS Spokesperson Michael Caputo Diagnosed With Cancer
HHS officials announced last week that Caputo, who had been in charge of the administration's coronavirus communications strategy, would be taking time off "to focus on his health and the well-being of his family." Caputo said last Wednesday that he planned to undergo "necessary screenings for a lymphatic issue discovered last week." He said he initially attributed his weight loss to a new exercise and diet regiment, before realizing something was wrong. (Behrmann, 9/24)
Politico: HHS Spokesperson Caputo Announces Cancer Diagnosis
Caputo began a 60-day medical leave last week, following reports that he and his team sought to meddle in reports produced by the Centers for Disease Control and further pressure government scientists on their response to Covid-19. Caputo also recorded a Facebook video where he accused CDC scientists of seeking to undermine President Donald Trump and warned of armed insurrection. Caputo, a longtime Trump loyalist, was installed at HHS in April at the president's direction. (Diamond, 9/24)
CNN: HHS Spokesman Michael Caputo Diagnosed With Cancer
Caputo said in a statement last Wednesday that he planned to undergo "necessary screenings for a lymphatic issue discovered last week. "He said he initially thought he was losing weight for months from a new exercise and diet regimen. "Instead of taking the time to see my doctor, I failed to do so," Caputo said, adding that he neglected during the pandemic to get the health care he long needed. His temporary departure began a day after he apologized for a conspiracy theory-laden rant he made against career government scientists in which he accused them of "sedition" and working to undermine President Donald Trump. (Stracqualursi, 9/24)
