Trump Taps HHS to Run Special Needs and Nutrition Programs in Schools

President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Health and Human Services to take charge of special needs and nutrition programs in schools nationwide. This move shifts oversight from the Department of Education to HHS. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now leads HHS and promises major improvements.

Trump announced this overhaul during a White House briefing earlier this week. He praised Kennedy as the right man to streamline these efforts and cut waste. The president stressed that HHS would ensure better care and healthier meals for kids.

Critics argue this change could disrupt existing programs run by states and local districts. Education officials worry about losing control over budgets they have managed for decades. Some fear HHS lacks the expertise to handle school-based initiatives effectively.

Supporters say HHS is better equipped to address health-related needs of students with disabilities. They point to Kennedy’s focus on nutrition as a way to tackle rising obesity rates among children. The administration claims this will lead to more efficient use of federal funds.

Details on how HHS will implement this shift remain unclear as of now. Kennedy has pledged to work with school leaders to avoid chaos during the transition. He aims to roll out new guidelines by the next school year to standardize the programs.

Some parents of special needs children welcome the change and hope for more tailored support. Others express concern over potential delays in services as HHS takes over. Advocacy groups plan to monitor the process closely to protect vulnerable students.

Trump framed this as part of his broader agenda to shrink the Department of Education. He suggested more responsibilities could move to other agencies in the future. The White House views this as a win for both taxpayers and families.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for hearings to examine the plan. They want clarity on funding and accountability measures under HHS control. The debate over this shift is likely to heat up as Congress reviews the proposal.