Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
4 Of 8 RFK Jr. Appointees To Health Task Force Received Conflict-Of-Interest Waivers
The New York Times: RFK Jr.’s Appointees To Health Task Force Included Four Allowed To Keep Drug Stocks
Four of the eight people appointed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to an influential health panel in September own stock in companies that make drugs and other products affected by the group’s decisions, according to documents reviewed by The New York Times. The investments were described in conflict-of-interest waivers that gave the members permission to serve on the panel, the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The Times obtained the waivers through a public records request. (Astor, 11/5)
More about RFK Jr. and MAHA —
Politico: RFK Jr.’s Alliance With Trump Is On Tenterhooks
The MAHA and MAGA marriage is going through its roughest patch yet. Tuesday’s sweep by the Democrats, along with waning support from some of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s biggest followers, suggests there’s plenty of reason for divorce. Kennedy now faces a gauntlet of hostile Democrats on Capitol Hill, while others are openly courting his supporters. (Chu and Paun, 11/5)
The Hill: The MAHA Movement Seeks Bipartisan Partners After Midterm Losses
A top leader in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement said he is willing to work with Democrats if they share his vision, after Republicans were trounced out of power in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Tony Lyons, a key ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who runs several MAHA political committees, said Wednesday that the movement must work with anyone who shares its goals. (Weixel, 11/5)
Politico: RFK Jr. Ally Russell Brand Found Guilty Of Rape And Sexual Assault
Actor Russell Brand, a leading figure in Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement, was found guilty Thursday in the United Kingdom of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. Brand was arrested after the verdict was announced and is facing years in prison, according to the British Press Association, a national news agency. He will be sentenced on Monday, U.K. prosecutors said in a statement. (Paun, 11/5)
In related news about MAHA's push to eat more red meat —
The Baltimore Sun: Steak Vs. Soy: Research Flips The Script On ‘Manly’ Proteins
Red meat may not give the “High-T” dietary fix some people assume, as new research suggests that “soy boy” vegans may top their meat-eating peers in terms of testosterone. (Hille, 11/5)
