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Rosie O’Donnell publicly criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his inflammatory remarks regarding autism and its impact on families. During an interview on CNN, she argued that his comments were disrespectful and asserted that he lacks the qualifications needed for his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
“I think it’s very disrespectful,” O’Donnell expressed. “I think it’s disgraceful, and he is wholly unqualified to be the head of Health and Human Services. Many of the cabinet appointments that Donald Trump has made reflect his vision of a reality show government, rather than selecting the most qualified individuals for the role, especially Robert Kennedy.”
O’Donnell emphasized that Kennedy’s family is associated with the founding of the Special Olympics, and she was especially taken aback by his remarks which she deemed dehumanizing. She stated, “To make such disgraceful comments is absolutely deplorable. He should either resign or be removed from his position.”
Kennedy’s controversial remarks, made last week, sparked significant backlash among autistic individuals and their families. Many interpreted his comments as suggesting that autistic individuals are a burden to their families and society. His statement that “autism destroys families, and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children” has been widely criticized.
While Kennedy contended he was only addressing severe cases, he faced condemnation for suggesting that these individuals might never engage in basic tasks like using the bathroom independently, holding a job, or paying taxes. He announced plans for the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate claims regarding the rise in autism rates, asserting that the agency would uncover the causes of what he describes as an autism epidemic by September.
Kennedy’s nomination for the HHS Secretary has been highly controversial, particularly due to his historical attempts to link vaccinations to autism. Most medical authorities have thoroughly dismissed such theories as ungrounded and based on flawed research, such as the now-retracted study by Andrew Wakefield concerning the MMR vaccine.
Despite claiming he is not anti-vaccine, Kennedy has consistently cast doubt on their efficacy and potential side effects. While experts in autism maintain that increased awareness and improved diagnostic practices account for the rising numbers, Kennedy has attributed this surge to environmental factors.
During his remarks, he declared, “This is coming from an environmental toxin, and someone profits by introducing that toxin into our air, water, medicines, and food. It benefits them to normalize these issues and claim everything has always been this way. That mindset is detrimental to our country.”
O’Donnell, who is the mother of a non-binary autistic child named Clay, used the interview to share personal experiences. She described how Clay struggled at a young age but found improvement with the help of a therapy dog. O’Donnell referred to Clay using they/them pronouns, emphasizing the importance of respect in conversations about autism.
Residing in Ireland, O’Donnell articulated her deep concerns regarding the political climate in the United States under Trump’s leadership. She stated it has been “heartbreaking” to witness the decline of the nation. Despite her decision to leave, she expressed no regrets. She recounted, “I knew after reading Project 2025 that if Trump was elected, it was time for me and my non-binary child to leave the country. We devised a plan that came into action quickly after his election, ensuring our departure occurred before his inauguration.”
The conversation surrounding Kennedy’s comments continues to elicit strong reactions from the public and advocacy groups. Many are calling for heightened awareness and inclusion, stressing that discussions about autism should be rooted in respect and understanding rather than harmful stereotypes.
In reaching out for comments, representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services had not yet responded to inquiries regarding Kennedy’s statements and O’Donnell’s demands for resignation.
As discussions evolve, Rosie O’Donnell’s candid reflections on parenting a child with autism reveal the complexities and challenges faced by many families. Her insistence on qualified representation within the government resonates strongly within the ongoing debate surrounding autism awareness, treatment, and legislative actions aimed at improving lives.
