ENTERTAINMENT NEWS – Rosie O’Donnell slams RFK Jr.’s comments about autistic people

Laila Kirkpatrick, Staff Writer

Rosie O’Donnell is a longtime critic of President Trump, but has recently launched sharp criticisms of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his comments about autistic people. O’Donnell shared more about her move to Ireland with her child, who identifies a non-binary, after the election and a new documentary about therapy dogs that help with autism. In her interview, she said, “I think it’s very disrespectful. I think it’s disgraceful, and I think he is wholly unqualified to be the head of Health and Human Services.” Her remarks referenced a recent speech made by Kennedy, in which he announced HHS would be implementing a “massive testing and research effort” to find the cause of autism.

Kennedy falsely claimed that autism cases are severe, and that many children with autism will never be able to experience things like paying taxes, holding down a job, or going on a date. These remarks have come under scrutiny from many activists who have noted that people diagnosed with autism live normal everyday lives.