U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN-05) will join U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Assistant Secretary Alex Adams on Thursday for a press gaggle following a tour of the Susan Gray Head Start facility in Nashville.
According to a release by Ogles’ office, the event is scheduled from 11:55 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. at Susan Gray Head Start, located at 445 Cotton Lane.
While the purpose of Kennedy’s visit has not been announced, the secretary’s appearance comes on Tennessee’s primary election day, as Ogles seeks a third term representing the newly redrawn 5th Congressional District.
Ogles faces former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher in a closely watched GOP primary. President Donald Trump has endorsed Ogles, while Hatcher has received endorsements from Governor Bill Lee and former Governor Bill Haslam.
Kennedy’s visit also comes as the Trump administration continues implementing changes to the federal Head Start program.
In March 2025, the ACF directed Head Start grant recipients that federal funding could no longer be used for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training or other related program expenditures.
The guidance instructed grantees to review funding applications, budgets, training plans, and other materials to ensure compliance with the administration’s policy.
Last month, HHS released a report finding that Change in Scope requests between fiscal years 2021 and 2024 resulted in the largest reduction of funded Head Start slots in the program’s history. According to the report, requests to reduce enrollment increased dramatically during that period, contributing to a net loss of 97,625 funded slots despite an approximately 11 percent increase in the program’s federal operating budget between fiscal years 2022 and 2024.
The report concluded that the reductions mean Head Start now serves fewer children and families while spending more per child and suggested the ACF re-evaluate how enrollment reduction requests are approved.
The visit also follows reporting by The Associated Press on Tuesday that the Trump administration is preparing a sweeping overhaul of Head Start regulations.
According to the report, the proposal would significantly reduce the program’s federal standards and leave many operational requirements to state and local governments while maintaining federal funding.
HHS said that a proposed rule is expected to be published this week. The agency said the rule “expands opportunity for children, cuts unnecessary red tape, and reinforces Head Start’s core mission.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Rep. Andy Ogles” by Rep Andy Ogles.
