Resignation of Key Official

Thomas Corry, who recently took office as the assistant secretary for public affairs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has resigned just two weeks following his swearing-in. His departure, first reported by Politico, raises concerns regarding the internal communication practices at HHS under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Tensions Over Measles Inquiry

Corry’s resignation appears to coincide with a backlash against Secretary Kennedy’s handling of an inquiry related to a measles outbreak in Texas during a recent Cabinet meeting. Kennedy controversially described the outbreak as “not unusual” and incorrectly cited the number of related fatalities, prompting criticism for appearing to downplay the seriousness of the health crisis. A former HHS official commented that Corry had expressed dissatisfaction over Kennedy’s response, indicating it was a missed opportunity to address a critical issue in public health.

Internal Dynamics and Communication Challenges

Corry, a veteran communications strategist who previously worked for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), faced numerous obstacles in his role, including a significant influx of inquiries about agency actions ranging from halted vaccine meetings to delays in research funding. Sources within HHS noted that Corry lacked a supportive relationship with Secretary Kennedy, which may have compromised his effectiveness within the department.

In a statement following Corry’s resignation, Kennedy claimed to have never met Corry and suggested that the resignation was a preemptive move in light of potential personnel issues. HHS communications spokesperson Andrew Nixon did not directly comment on this remark but reiterated Kennedy’s commitment to prioritizing measles awareness and response efforts.

Leadership Structure and Future Implications

The fallout from Corry’s departure is compounded by ongoing shifts in leadership within the HHS communications team. Several key officials who served under the previous administration have been replaced with political appointees, resulting in a significant loss of institutional memory and expertise. The existing communication team has been asked to clarify their roles, indicating potential further changes in the near future.

Amid these challenges, senior counselor Stefanie Spear has been reported to engage in tightly controlled communications across HHS, raising questions about transparency and the department’s capacity to respond effectively to public health concerns.