1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

Given his extensive record of spreading medical misinformation, his conflicts of interest, and his lack of qualifications for this critical position, we strongly urge all senators to oppose the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Medical Misinformation and Public Health Threats Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has a well-documented history of promoting scientifically debunked conspiracy theories, particularly regarding vaccines. As the founder of the anti-vaccine organization Children’s Health Defense, he has been a leading voice in spreading false claims that vaccines cause autism—a theory thoroughly discredited by peer-reviewed scientific research from institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Academy of Sciences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy amplified misinformation about mRNA vaccines, falsely alleging that they altered human DNA—claims refuted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and numerous medical experts. He has also promoted unproven and dangerous alternative treatments, undermining public trust in legitimate medical interventions. Conflict of Interest and Ethical Concerns Kennedy’s leadership in anti-vaccine advocacy is not just a matter of free speech; it represents a direct conflict of interest for someone tasked with overseeing the nation’s public health agencies. His organization has received funding from sources that profit from vaccine skepticism, raising serious questions about whether he can make impartial, evidence-based decisions as the head of HHS. Furthermore, his history of aligning with known conspiracy theorists and extremist groups should be alarming to anyone who values science-driven policymaking. His anti-science rhetoric is not just a political liability—it has tangible, deadly consequences. A recent study published in The Lancet found that vaccine misinformation contributed to an estimated 300,000 preventable deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone. Lack of Relevant Experience HHS is a massive federal agency with a budget exceeding $1.7 trillion, responsible for managing critical programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and public health initiatives. Unlike previous HHS secretaries, who have had backgrounds in medicine, public health, or executive administration, Kennedy lacks any relevant experience managing large-scale health initiatives or policymaking at this level. His nomination risks turning the department into a platform for pseudoscience rather than a vehicle for evidence-based health policy. Reject Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Our nation needs an HHS secretary who will strengthen, not undermine, public health.