RFK Jr. fires two leaders of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

WASHINGTON — Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired two leaders of a panel that advises the federal government on which preventive services should be covered by insurance. 

Vice chairs John Wong and Esa Davis were dismissed from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in letters sent to them by Kennedy on May 11. The letters, viewed by STAT, terminate them due to a review of the current appointments. 

“This action is administrative in nature and is unrelated to your performance or many years of dedicated service to the Task Force. It is not to be understood as a removal based on your leadership or contributions. To the contrary, the Department is taking this step to help protect the Task Force and preserve confidence in the continuity and durability of its work,” the letters read.