STAT+: Trump’s health care affordability czar takes aim at hospitals

STAT PlusNewsletterD.C. Diagnosis Trump’s health care affordability czar takes aim at hospitals You’re reading STAT’s D.C. Diagnosis newsletter Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJune 9, 2026 Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson[email protected]John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. You know that 1980s Dolly Parton hit “9 to 5”? I wonder if RFK Jr. has heard it? He often works in his office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the New York Times. Send news tips and ways to make a livin’ to [email protected] or John_Wilkerson.07 on Signal. Hidden alcohol study revealed The federal government paid for a report on alcohol consumption. But it refused to publish the results, which show that even people who drink less than one alcoholic beverage a day are increasing their chances of developing a serious illness, Isabella Cueto reports.Advertisement The scientists who conducted the study believe the findings were suppressed because they are unfavorable to powerful special interests. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, hospitals, Policy, public health, research, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended The Readout June 9, 2026 Gilead and Merck’s latest trial success and flop The Readout June 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Novo underwhelmed by drug it once fought Pfizer for Advertisement Biotech June 8, 2026 STAT Plus: J&J spends $1 billion to enter KRAS race for cancer treatments Biotech June 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Combination of pancreatic cancer drugs from Tango, Revolution leads to high response rate Opinions+ June 8, 2026 $2 million gene therapy cures require a financing model Subscriber Picks