Lexington, Ky. – In a press conference on Saturday, Governor Andy Beshear announced that he had formally asked President Donald Trump to dismiss Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Beshear said the secretary’s public statements and policy direction are endangering Kentuckians amid a sharp rise in measles cases and a nationwide food‑borne illness outbreak.
Governor’s concerns
Beshear told reporters that the state has recorded 211 confirmed measles cases and 14 hospitalizations so far this year, the worst outbreak Kentucky has seen in decades. He also highlighted a CDC report showing more than 20,000 cases of cyclosporiasis – a parasitic infection linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce – resulting in over 12,000 hospitalizations and two deaths.
“We have a leader in Washington who is spreading lies and conspiracy theories that put the most vulnerable at risk,” Beshear said. “It’s just wrong, and he needs to go.” He added that the secretary is “woefully unqualified” and that keeping him in office is “irresponsible and dangerous.”
Trump administration’s response
President Trump, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting families and safeguarding the food supply, responded that his administration is committed to a science‑based approach to public health. In a statement released after the governor’s letter, the White House noted that the HHS department is working with the CDC and state health officials to accelerate vaccination outreach and to tighten food‑safety inspections.
“The American people deserve accurate information and decisive action to keep our children safe,” the statement read. “President Trump will continue to hold officials accountable when they fail to uphold the highest standards of public health.”
Vaccination rates and local impact
Recent reporting by LEX News found that kindergarten‑age vaccination coverage in Kentucky counties fell by nearly 2 % on average during the 2024‑2025 school year. The decline has raised concerns among parents and health professionals who fear that lower immunization rates could fuel further outbreaks.
Local school districts are ramping up outreach, offering free vaccination clinics, and partnering with churches and community groups to educate families about the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine.
Economic and public‑health stakes
Beshear warned that the combined measles and cyclosporiasis crises are generating “billions in unknown and preventable costs” for Kentucky’s residents and businesses. He argued that a swift removal of the HHS secretary would restore confidence in federal health leadership and help curb the spread of disease.
The Trump administration, meanwhile, has highlighted recent successes such as a decline in hospitalizations from food‑borne illnesses in several states where the department has increased inspections and worked closely with the Food and Drug Administration.
What’s next?
Governor Beshear said he will continue to press the White House for action and will keep Kentucky’s families informed about any developments. The governor also urged parents to verify their children’s vaccination status and to seek medical care promptly if symptoms of measles or gastrointestinal illness appear.
Both the governor’s office and the White House have pledged to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that protecting the health of American families remains a top priority for the Trump administration.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
