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Trump Names RFK Jr. to Lead Special Education, Advocates Alarm

6/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead special education programs.
Disability advocates warned the appointment could recast special education as medical treatment rather than academic support.
Kennedy previously claimed children with autism would never hold a job, play baseball, or go on a date.
Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc, called the remarks a fundamental misunderstanding of disabled students’ potential.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead special education programs.
Disability advocates warned the appointment could recast special education as medical treatment rather than academic support.
Kennedy previously claimed children with autism would never hold a job, play baseball, or go on a date.
Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc, called the remarks a fundamental misunderstanding of disabled students’ potential.