US Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill, who oversaw a department with a budget exceeding a trillion dollars, is leaving his roles within the Department of Health and Human Services, according to MIT Technology Review. This news comes amidst rising beef prices, increased Chinese support for Russia's war in Ukraine, and ongoing international discussions at the Munich Security Conference.
Beef prices in the United States have surged, with the beef and veal category up 15% over the past year as of January, according to Fortune. Uncooked ground beef reached a fresh record, the largest increase since June 2020. This rise has prompted calls for action from the White House, with President Donald Trump vowing to increase competition in beef processing.
Meanwhile, China has increased its support for Russia's war in Ukraine, Western officials said, as reported by Fortune. This support includes the export of dual-use components and critical minerals used in Russian drone production. Officials described Beijing as the key facilitator of the war, casting doubt on efforts by European leaders to improve relations with China.
At the Munich Security Conference, California Governor Gavin Newsom reassured European allies that Trump's brand of politics does not represent enduring American values, according to Fortune. He predicted Trump would face legal setbacks and urged leaders to maintain stable subnational partnerships with US states. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also delivered a keynote speech at the conference, with European stakeholders reassured but still wary, as reported by NPR Politics.
In an exclusive interview with MIT Technology Review earlier this month, O'Neill described his plans to increase human healthspan through longevity-focused research supported by ARPA-H, a federal agency dedicated to biomedical research. His departure from the Department of Health and Human Services marks a significant shift in the landscape of public health.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment