Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses anti-vaccine group conference in Washington
The health secretary pledged to investigate vaccine skepticism and told attendees the administration supports their efforts.
The short version
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at a conference held by Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization he previously led.[ABC News · The Washington Sun]
- Kennedy told attendees that President Donald Trump is their ally and promised inquiries into vaccine doubts, chemtrails, and magnetic fields.[The Washington Sun]
- Major medical associations warned that federal efforts modifying vaccine policies will increase public confusion and hesitancy.[ABC News]
- The speech occurred during the nation's worst measles year since 1991, with seven related deaths reported over two years.[ABC News]
Key facts
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. chaired the anti-vaccine organization Children's Health Defense from 2015 to 2023 before speaking at its Washington conference.[The Washington Sun]
- Kennedy assured the audience that President Donald Trump is an ally and cited efforts to change childhood vaccination schedules.[The Washington Sun]
- The United States is enduring its worst year for measles since 1991, with seven measles-related fatalities recorded over the past two years.[ABC News]
- Andrew Wakefield, who wrote a retracted and discredited paper connecting autism to the MMR shot, took the stage after Kennedy.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Kennedy offered conflicting assessments of his tenure, appearing apologetic over limited HHS changes while also asserting historic accomplishments over his 19 months.[ABC News · The Washington Sun]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.