Who Is Thomas Corry? Top RFK Jr. Spokesman Quits HHS

A Sudden Resignation Rocks the Department of Health and Human Services

In a surprising move, Thomas Corry, a top spokesperson at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has abruptly resigned from his position as assistant secretary of Public Affairs. This resignation came just two weeks after he was sworn into the role, leaving many questions unanswered. Corry’s departure follows intense criticism of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s handling of a deadly measles outbreak in Texas, which has claimed the life of a child—the first measles-related death in the U.S. in over a decade. While Corry did not provide a specific reason for his resignation in his LinkedIn announcement, the timing suggests that the controversy surrounding Kennedy’s response to the outbreak may have played a role. Newsweek reached out to HHS for comment, but no official statement has been released.

Controversy and Backlash Over HHS Secretary Kennedy’s Response

The measles outbreak in Texas has sparked widespread concern, with over 140 children falling ill, the vast majority of whom were unvaccinated. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known anti-vaccine activist before his appointment by President Donald Trump to lead HHS, faced backlash after downplaying the severity of the outbreak. Kennedy initially described the situation as “not unusual,” despite the tragic death of a child. His remarks were met with outrage from public health experts and advocates, who argue that measles outbreaks are preventable through vaccination and should not be minimized. However, in a surprising reversal, Kennedy later published an opinion piece in Fox News, where he emphasized the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and called the outbreak “a call to action for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to public health.” This shift in tone has left many questioning the consistency of his leadership and the direction of HHS under his guidance.

Thomas Corry’s Brief Tenure and Sudden Departure

Thomas Corry’s resignation has raised eyebrows due to the brevity of his time at HHS. Just two weeks prior to his announcement, Corry had expressed his excitement about joining the department, writing on LinkedIn, “I’m honored to have been appointed and sworn into the position of HHS Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs. I’m thankful that I’ll be part of the team that is going to work to make America healthy again, and on making healthcare more affordable and accessible.” His sudden departure, effective immediately, has sparked speculation about the internal dynamics at HHS and the challenges of working under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership. Before joining HHS, Corry had a lengthy career in healthcare, including roles on various healthcare-related boards and leading a consulting business. He also served in the first Trump administration as a senior adviser and director of communications at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from 2019 to 2020.

Public Reaction and Calls for Transparency

The news of Corry’s resignation has drawn mixed reactions from the public and healthcare experts. On LinkedIn, digital marketing expert Keith Butler commented, “Tom, you need to share and explain why you took this action. After only two weeks in the position that is critical to our national health, you owe us all an explanation.” Meanwhile, Art Candee, a Chicago-based artist and frequent Trump critic, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “A top spokesperson at the Health and Human Services Department, Tom Corry, has quit 2 weeks after he went back to work for the federal government… Guess things at HHS under RFK McBrain Worms Jr. are going as we expected.” These comments reflect a broader sentiment that Corry’s resignation is emblematic of deeper issues within HHS under Kennedy’s leadership. Many are calling for greater transparency from both Corry and the department about the circumstances surrounding his departure.

What Happens Next?

As HHS moves forward, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Corry’s position as assistant secretary of Public Affairs is likely to be filled quickly, given the critical nature of the role in communicating the department’s initiatives and responding to public health crises. However, the bigger question is whether Corry will publicly address his reasons for leaving. His silence has only fueled speculation, and many believe that his resignation could shed light on the inner workings of HHS under Kennedy. Additionally, the measles outbreak in Texas remains a pressing concern, with public health officials urging vaccination and greater awareness to prevent further tragedies. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by HHS in addressing public health issues and the importance of strong, consistent leadership in such critical times.

Conclusion: A Call for Leadership and Accountability

Thomas Corry’s resignation and the ongoing controversy surrounding HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s response to the measles outbreak in Texas highlight the urgent need for leadership and accountability in public health. As the nation grapples with preventable diseases and the credibility of its healthcare institutions, the actions of those in power must align with the principles of science, transparency, and compassion. While Corry’s decision to step down may have been personal, it underscores the broader challenges faced by HHS in navigating complex health crises. Moving forward, it is imperative that the department prioritizes public health, communicates effectively with the American people, and works tirelessly to rebuild trust in its leadership and mission. Only then can HHS truly fulfill its promise to “make America healthy again.”