A U.S. representative from Wisconsin has initiated a campaign to eliminate federal funding for the Mayo Clinic following remarks attributed to an alleged employee regarding the shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Representative Derrick Van Orden, a Republican representing Wisconsin’s 3rd District, announced that he would work to “remove every single penny” of federal financial support unless the situation is addressed.
The controversy began when conservative social media personality Robby Starbuck shared images on X (formerly Twitter) that included screenshots of posts from an account that appears to belong to a Mayo Clinic employee. One of the posts described Kirk as a “divisive, white, racist, sexist, homophobe, anti-Semite bigot,” while another criticized Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk and the new CEO of Turning Point USA, as “the best actress in a faux Christian role.” The account in question has since been set to private, and Mayo Clinic is no longer listed on the user’s LinkedIn profile.
Starbuck argued that the individual’s comments reflect poorly on the Mayo Clinic and called for their termination, stating, “He must be fired if Mayo Clinic has actual values.” Following Starbuck’s post, Van Orden expressed his commitment to withdrawing federal funding from the health institution.
The Post Bulletin has not independently verified the employment status of the individual whose posts are featured in Starbuck’s screenshots. The Mayo Clinic has not publicly commented on this incident.
Van Orden’s pledge to cut federal funds is not unprecedented. Earlier this year, he made a similar promise regarding the City of Eau Claire after two city council members made social media posts about Charlie Kirk.
Legislative Action
On September 20, 2023, a day after the initial controversy, Van Orden introduced legislation aimed at restricting federal funding to any organization that employs individuals who condone political violence and domestic terrorism. During a radio appearance on the Mid-Atlantic-based John Fredericks Radio Show, Van Orden was challenged by a caller about the potential impact of cutting funding to medical organizations. The caller questioned whether such actions might endanger lives by limiting access to essential medical services.
In response, Van Orden questioned whether federal funds should continue to support organizations that he believes incite violence. “You cannot tell me,” he asserted, “that these people who are employing folks, that are receiving billions of federal dollars— you cannot say that the vile things that they’re saying are not specifically geared towards intimidating or coercing a civilian population or influencing a government.”
The Mayo Clinic is a significant recipient of federal funding, particularly through research grants from the National Institutes of Health. As of September 5, 2023, the institution holds 434 active NIH awards, amounting to approximately $302 million. It is the second-largest recipient of NIH funds in Minnesota, following the University of Minnesota.
Impact on Local Health Services
Given that Van Orden’s district encompasses several Mayo Clinic Health System locations, including hospitals in La Crosse and Eau Claire, the implications of his proposed funding cuts could significantly affect healthcare access in the region. The ongoing debate highlights the intersection of politics and healthcare funding, raising questions about the broader effects of public figures’ statements on critical health services.
As the situation develops, the responses from both the Mayo Clinic and political figures will be closely watched, particularly as this controversy intertwines with ongoing discussions surrounding political discourse and responsibility in the social media age.
