Story perspectives

Health Secretary Faces Backlash Over Controversial ADHD Remarks

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced scrutiny over ADHD comments intended to Black children.
Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) pressed him on a podcast statement that Black children should be re-parented.
Kennedy denied making the claim and refused to clarify further.
Experts say antidepressants do not cause violence, and restricting access can raise suicide and depression.

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Story summary

During a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced scrutiny over ADHD comments intended to Black children.
Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) pressed him on a podcast statement that Black children should be re-parented.
Kennedy denied making the claim and refused to clarify further.
Experts say antidepressants do not cause violence, and restricting access can raise suicide and depression.