Over 15,000 doctors have signed a letter opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). They warn that his history of promoting conspiracy theories poses a serious threat to public health.
Physicians Highlight Concerns About Kennedy’s Misinformation
The letter, organized by the Committee to Protect Health Care, criticizes Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Kennedy for the key health role. “RFK Jr. is not only unqualified to lead HHS but actively dangerous,” the letter states. It emphasizes the need for leadership that prioritizes science and evidence-based medicine to protect the health of over 336 million Americans.
Doctors cite Kennedy’s record of spreading harmful misinformation, including his visit to Samoa in 2019. During that visit, Kennedy’s anti-vaccine rhetoric contributed to a measles outbreak that killed 83 people, primarily young children.
Bipartisan Resistance and Advocacy Efforts
Kennedy’s nomination faces strong bipartisan criticism in the Senate. If all Democrats oppose him, he would need nearly unanimous Republican support for confirmation. Advocacy groups like Protect Our Care have launched campaigns against his appointment, and last month, 77 Nobel laureates signed a letter condemning his nomination.
Opponents also point to Kennedy’s lack of healthcare experience and his plans to weaken federal health agencies. These proposals, they argue, would dismantle years of progress in public health and harm millions of Americans.
Trump’s Support Raises Additional Alarm
Donald Trump has voiced support for Kennedy’s controversial views. In a December 2024 interview, Trump repeated the debunked claim of a link between vaccines and autism. “We’re going to look into why autism rates are so much higher now,” he said, echoing Kennedy’s rhetoric.
Doctors Warn of Dangerous Consequences
The letter concludes by warning that Kennedy’s actions and rhetoric undermine trust in healthcare systems. “His appointment threatens decades of progress in improving health outcomes,” it states. “This is not leadership – it’s sabotage.”
As the Senate prepares to vote, opposition from the medical and scientific communities adds significant pressure to reject Kennedy’s nomination.
