RFA Statement on Dec. 18 HHS Press Conference
Photo ©Bart Nagel
December, 18, 2025 — Today’s press conference held by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, and others came as no surprise to Rainbow Families Action and our allies. It was a continuation of this Administration’s attacks on science-backed medical consensus and citizens through harmful propaganda — just another melodramatic performance by politicians spewing more Orwellian doublespeak and outright lies.
Fortunately, we don’t think they’re fooling anyone. The Republicans don’t actually care about kids, or they would not be viciously attacking families who love their children, cruelly separating youngsters from their families in cities throughout the country, and tear-gassing babies.
In this case, with the Republicans’ recent failure to prevent catastrophic healthcare premium increases, they’re laser-focused on taking away healthcare choices from some Americans while they continuously fail to make it affordable for all Americans. We and countless other working American families wish they would just spend a fraction of the effort they’ve wasted trying to ban gender-affirming care and work instead on extending the healthcare subsidies that millions of Americans rely on.
We were expecting the proposed new rules for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which attempt to strong-arm and coerce healthcare systems who provide gender-affirming care for minors by withholding all Medicare and Medicaid funding. As we have been telling our healthcare providers this week: There is nothing legally binding in this proposal. A new agency rule does not go into effect until it undergoes the full regulatory process and is formally implemented. Until then, there is no legal reason for any healthcare organization to stop providing services.
This press conference did make something even clearer: As yet another of its many distraction tactics, this administration is declaring war on all trans people — children and adults — as well as the family members, healthcare providers, and others who love them.
But the truth is, trans people have always existed and will continue to exist, regardless of the hatred hurled their way by a failing presidential administration. All fair-minded Americans understand that this administration’s attempts to erase and dehumanize the transgender community are deplorable.
Also, the far-right’s obsession with other people’s genitals is just creepy!
Rainbow Families Actions and our partners and allies will continue to fight back until justice is won. California has led the way on social issues, and we certainly are not going to stop now. Because we’re not just fighting for ourselves. We’re fighting to preserve California as the civil-rights leader that America and the world depends on us to be.
We’re really fighting for all Americans’ rights: our right to privacy, to happiness, and to appropriate, recommended, and life-saving medical care.
Which side of history do YOU want to be on?
To all families with transgender or gender-expansive children: Join us. We’re California-focused for now, but we would love to help you start a Rainbow Families Action in your state.
To all healthcare practitioners who are determined to keep providing as well as advocating for what you know to be evidence-based, life-saving care: Thank you — and join us.
To our trans adult elders in the community: You know how important this care is. We need your help as well.
To our many, many other allies who want to stand up with us and fight back — we especially need people willing to speak out openly on our behalf. Sign up for our Ally Newsletter and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for ways to do so.
