HHS Secretary Faces Backlash Over Autism Remarks

CNN's Jake Tapper confronts RFK Jr. with his own words after failed attempt to walk back comments.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:44am

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A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows, casting long shadows across the empty desks and chairs, creating a sense of unease and political tension.The HHS secretary's controversial remarks about autism and disabilities have sparked a political firestorm, exposing deep divisions and a need for more empathetic leadership.Washington Today

President Donald Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary faced intense questioning at a congressional hearing on Friday after making disparaging remarks about children with autism and people with disabilities. However, CNN's Jake Tapper challenged the secretary's attempt to walk back the comments by playing a clip of the original remarks.

Why it matters

The HHS secretary's comments sparked outrage and concern from disability advocates, as well as questions about the administration's stance on issues affecting the autism community and individuals with disabilities.

The details

During the congressional hearing, the HHS secretary made comments that were seen as insensitive and dismissive towards people with autism and other disabilities. In an attempt to mitigate the backlash, the secretary later tried to walk back those remarks, but CNN's Jake Tapper confronted the secretary with a clip of the original comments, undermining the effort to distance from the controversial statements.

  • The HHS secretary made the remarks during a congressional hearing on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, appointed by President Donald Trump.

Jake Tapper

A CNN news anchor who challenged the HHS secretary's attempt to walk back his previous comments about autism and disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“Another round of intense questioning for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.”

— Jake Tapper, CNN News Anchor

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and sensitivities around issues affecting the autism community and individuals with disabilities, as well as the challenges faced by government officials in addressing these topics appropriately.