Rep. Watson Coleman Challenges HHS Secretary Kennedy in Heated Exchange
On May 14, 2025, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat from New Jersey, clashed with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing. The tension escalated as Watson Coleman stated that Kennedy’s "legitimacy" as a health official had "expired."
During the heated discussion, Watson Coleman pressed Kennedy on recent changes within the HHS, particularly regarding funding for programs supporting minority and low-income families. She specifically expressed concern over the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides crucial heating and cooling assistance to struggling households. Watson Coleman questioned the rationale behind any potential cuts to this vital program, insisting on clear data instead of vague statements.
In response, Kennedy defended his commitment to LIHEAP, sharing his family’s history in the energy sector and expressing his recognition of the program’s importance. He cited President Trump’s energy policies as a reason for potential changes, suggesting that if energy costs decrease as expected, LIHEAP might be seen as an unnecessary subsidy.
Despite this, Watson Coleman was unyielding, dismissing Kennedy’s past experiences and demanding accountability for current actions affecting vulnerable populations. She claimed to see "racist attacks" against Black Americans through a government push to scale back programs that uplift them.
Kennedy countered her claims by associating President Trump’s vision with that of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing a desire for a colorblind administration. However, Watson Coleman rejected this rhetoric, stating she was unconvinced of Trump’s commitment to racial equity.
The exchange highlighted significant divisions in the ongoing debate over how to address health and economic disparities in the U.S., with Kennedy set to continue testifying later that day before the Senate Health Committee concerning the HHS budget.
