A prominent healthcare advocacy group, Protect Our Care, is calling for the resignation of Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, after he made insensitive remarks on a podcast. Kennedy downplayed the risks of Covid-19 by stating, "I’m not scared of a germ. I used to snort cocaine off of toilet seats," which has provoked outrage given the ongoing health crisis and the impact of addiction. The president of Protect Our Care, Brad Woodhouse, asserted that Kennedy’s comments reflect why he is considered a risky leader in such an essential health position.

Kennedy's comments are particularly alarming given the severe implications of cocaine use, with nearly 30,000 overdose deaths linked to the drug in the US in 2023 alone. His remarks were shared during an episode of Theo Von’s podcast, This Past Weekend, where he mentioned his experiences in addiction recovery. By trivializing such harmful behavior while serving as health secretary, critics argue that Kennedy is not only undermining public health but also perpetuating harmful stereotypes regarding substance abuse and its consequences.

The response from Protect Our Care highlights how Kennedy's controversial views on health, specifically his history of anti-vaccine activism, contribute to a growing belief that he should not hold a position of such significant authority. This situation raises questions about the competence and accountability of leaders in the health sector, especially during a time when effective communication about public health and safety is crucial for combating ongoing crises like the Covid-19 pandemic.