Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was asked about the Alzheimer’s funding cuts during Monday’s House Energy & Commerce Health subcommittee hearing. His proposal is aiming to cut $1.7 billion research funds of the agency working to eliminate the disease. Rep. Nanette Barragan called him out over the cuts. She has been an advocate for dementia research and is aware of the cuts in progress for the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
When she asked about the cuts, RFK was not aware of them. While questioning, she emphasized how the disease impacts millions of Americans. It takes an emotional toll on families when the sick person loses independence and memories. More than 7 million citizens live with the disease.
The expected number will double by 2060, showing how important it is to research about the disease and learn about it more. She stated NIH is conducting research on treatments to which RFK replied we are committed to solving the problem. He also agreed that development of the treatment is critical however also included how the issue is complicated.
RFK was grilled on health care frauds, budget cuts and lying to the senators. He replied to some of the questions saying the department will not cut any coverage to American patients while defending Trump’s agenda. A few days back Trump was seen with a lump in his pants with many experts saying that it may be a catheter bag. Incontinence can be a sign of dementia. These updates come amidst many speculating on Trump’s health.
During today’s House Energy & Commerce Health subcommittee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made several inaccurate remarks regarding Alzheimer’s and the current state of research, including:
❌ Mischaracterizing Alzheimer’s as Type 3 Diabetes… pic.twitter.com/BG6VSivSAB
— Alzheimer’s Association (@alzassociation) June 24, 2025
Barragan spoke on how a lot of funding is being cut for the institute to reach effective treatment if they are committed to ending this epidemic. On the one hand, President John F. Kennedy’s nephew believed the research was important, and on the other hand, $1.7 billion in funding was being cut off. She went to ask about the federal Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs). RFK replied negatively, to which she explained how these organizations are helping the families impacted by the disease.
Corruption, misplaced priorities, and intentionally limited scopes of inquiry have confined research for years. We’re changing that. In this administration, Alzheimer’s, the infertility crisis, early onset puberty in girls, low testosterone in men, and more can finally receive… pic.twitter.com/jDz9samm9B
— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) May 20, 2025
They are conducting research, brain donation, caregiving, and diagnosis. However, due to cuts in federal funding, thirteen out of 35 such centers have been lost. Again, RFK was not aware of this, as such centers are critical in purple, blue, and red states. RFK’s being unaware of the issues while making decisions is a cause of concern. According to Joanne Pike, who’s the CEO and president of the Alzheimer’s Association, this is alarming.
RFK admits they are not cutting funding to clinical trials. However, the truth is that the delay in funds to ADRCs is leading to the cancellation and postponement of important clinical trials. Furthermore, Rep. Barragan asked RFK for funding for 14 remaining centers, to which he replied he’d be happy to work with her. She took a jab at him again, saying how troubling it is to know that the Head of the Department is unaware of such drastic cuts that impact millions.
