Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent visit to Arizona and New Mexico tribal communities focused on preventing chronic diseases among Native Americans. However, his actions appear at odds with the elimination of the Healthy Tribes program, a $32.5 million initiative using traditional medicine to combat diseases like diabetes. Tribal leaders express concern over the lack of transparency and consultation, viewing the cuts as a violation of the federal government's trust responsibility. The program's director has been placed on administrative leave, leaving many unsure of the program's future and the fate of its funding.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.