The Abrupt Resignation of Thomas Corry: A Communications Crisis at HHS
In a stunning turn of events, Thomas Corry, the newly appointed assistant secretary for public affairs under Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., resigned just two weeks after being sworn into his role. Corry, a former Trump administration appointee, had been tasked with leading the communications efforts for one of the most critical federal agencies in the country. His resignation, first reported by Politico, has sent shockwaves through the department, raising questions about the stability and direction of HHS under Kennedy’s leadership. Corry did not respond to repeated requests for comment from CBS News, leaving many in the dark about his reasons for leaving so abruptly.
Criticism Over Handling of the Measles Outbreak: A Missed Opportunity
Corry’s resignation came on the heels of widespread criticism directed at Secretary Kennedy for his handling of a question about the growing measles outbreak in Texas during a White House Cabinet meeting. Kennedy downplayed the situation, referring to the outbreak as "not unusual" and misstating the number of deaths reported in the state. This response was met with disbelief and frustration, both within the department and externally. A former HHS official and a person familiar with Corry’s thinking revealed that Corry had expressed disappointment with Kennedy’s approach to the situation. He reportedly viewed it as a missed opportunity for the secretary to demonstrate leadership and empathy, instead of appearing indifferent to a deadly outbreak.
Frustration and Isolation: Corry’s Challenges in the Role
Corry’s frustrations, however, extended far beyond Kennedy’s handling of the measles outbreak. His office was overwhelmed with a deluge of inquiries regarding various agency actions, including canceled vaccine meetings and stalled research funding. Unlike his predecessors, who typically worked closely with the secretary, Corry was notably isolated. A former HHS official revealed that Corry had been cut off from Kennedy, raising questions about whether he ever had the trust or support of the secretary and his inner circle. This lack of communication and collaboration severely undermined Corry’s authority and ability to perform his duties effectively.
Kennedy’s Response: Dismissal and Distance
When asked about Corry’s resignation during an interview with Fox News, Kennedy distancing himself from his former top spokesperson. He claimed that he had never met Corry and knew little about him, suggesting that Corry had "personnel problems" and was on the verge of being terminated. Kennedy even speculated that Corry may have fabricated a story to explain his departure. However, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon declined to comment on Kennedy’s remarks, instead reissuing a previous statement from Stefanie Spear, the principal deputy chief of staff, which emphasized that Kennedy was making measles a "top priority" for his team. This response did little to quell concerns about the communications chaos within the department.
A Communications Shop in Turmoil: Staffing Challenges and Power Struggles
The resignation of Thomas Corry has brought to light deeper challenges within the HHS communications office. Many of the current aides, including Spear, were part of Kennedy’s longshot presidential campaign or came from the ranks of Trump supporters and alumni of other federal agencies. Andrew Nixon, who previously handled press for Trump’s campaign, is now a key spokesperson for HHS, alongside Michael Brady, a former top Army public affairs official. This influx of political appointees has created a complex and often contentious environment within the communications shop. Spear, who also holds the title of senior counselor to Kennedy, has been tightly controlling communications across the department. Before Kennedy’s confirmation, she implemented an unprecedented department-wide "pause" on communications, freezing the release of information across HHS. This move was seen by many as an attempt to consolidate power and control the narrative.
The Future of HHS Communications: Challenges and Uncertainty
As the dust settles on Corry’s resignation, the challenges facing the HHS communications office are likely to persist. A current HHS official revealed that staff within the team were recently asked to provide explanations of their "roles and responsibilities" by noon on Tuesday, signaling potential further changes to the team. The staffing shortfall and the lack of institutional knowledge within the communications office have been ongoing issues, dating back to the Biden administration. During that time, top-ranking civil servants within the communications office retired, and their roles were filled by political appointees rather than career executives. This has left the department with a deficit of institutional knowledge, complicating the transition for the incoming Trump administration. With the communications shop in turmoil, the future of HHS under Kennedy’s leadership remains uncertain.
Conclusion: A Digital Reporter’s Perspective
Alexander Tin, a digital reporter for CBS News covering federal public health agencies, has been closely following the developments at HHS. His reporting has shed light on the growing tensions within the department and the challenges faced by its communications team. As the situation continues to unfold, Tin’s insights will remain invaluable for understanding the dynamics at play within HHS and the broader implications for public health policy under the Trump administration.
