After stormy Senate hearing, Trump offers tepid support for RFK Jr. while Kennedy family members call for his ouster

Science advocates organize march in DC to demand impeachment of RFK Jr.

Scientists, health care professionals, and supporters will take to the streets on Nov. 5, calling for Congress to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from his position as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Federal official claims that temporary order blocking RIFs doesn’t apply to HHS

A court filing by Thomas Nagy Jr., deputy assistant secretary for Human Resources and chief human capital officer at HHS, claims that his department can proceed with the 982 RIFs it issued two weeks ago, despite a judge’s temporary order freezing the notices issued by two dozen federal agencies since the government shutdown that began on Oct 1.

Trump cuts IVF drug deal with Merck in exchange for tariff exemption

President Donald Trump has announced a deal with pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA and its U.S. subsidiary, EMD Serono, to sharply reduce the cost of certain fertility drugs used for in-vitro fertilization, or IVF.

October 24, 2025

Vol.51 No.39

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

Federal judge puts temporary block on new round of CDC and HHS layoffs

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on Oct. 15, ordering the Trump administration to reverse the wave of layoffs that the administration is using as a pressure tactic intended to force the Democrats to accept cuts to popular health programs and reopen the government.

Trump backs off the 100% pharma tariffs ultimatum

President Donald Trump had threatened pharmaceutical companies with a 100% tariff, with an ultimatum set for Oct. 1.

October 10, 2025

Vol.51 No.37

By Claire Marie Porter

NCI

Anthony Letai sworn in as 18th NCI director

Anthony G. Letai, accompanied by his wife Jean, was sworn in by HHS Secretary Kennedy as the 18th NCI Director on Sept. 29.Anthony G. Letai, a physician-scientist at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has been officially named the 18th director of the National Cancer Institute.

October 03, 2025

Vol.51 No.36

By Claire Marie Porter