Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends Starry Starry Night Gala in Palm Desert
Jesus Reyes
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Reaction continues after a fundraising event in Palm Desert. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was the guest speaker of the event and News Channel 3 didn’t shy away from hard questions.
It was all part of the Starry Starry Night Gala for breast cancer awareness Sunday at the Chapperel Country Club.
Kennedy attended with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.
He told News Channel 3 the United States continues to lead in the fight against cancer. He said it’s important that research institutions have the needed funding to continue reducing cancer deaths.
We asked Kennedy about his controversial positions.
“What do you say to the critics when you’re here at an event like this, obviously in support of cancer research and, and the betterment of cancer patients?” News Channel 3 asked Kennedy.
Kennedy answered, “Like critics. I mean, I don’t know what, I, you know, we’re on the research agenda at NIH is stronger than it’s ever been. We’ve never cut any research jobs. We did a lot of administrative cuts to make the agency more efficient and more effective and allow us to spend less money on the bureaucracy and more on research.“
Kennedy’s visit didn’t come without protest. Dozens of people were out holding up signs along Portola Avenue with signs in support of science and vaccines.
More than $100,000 was raised at the event. It all went to the Moore Cancer Center at UC San Diego.