During an 80-minute televised interview with Dr. Phil last week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged parents contemplating childhood vaccinations to “do your own research.” He propagated ongoing antivaccine myths, including assertions that routine vaccines are neurotoxic and that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is “leaky” and inadequately tested. This comes amidst a significant measles outbreak in the U.S., which has reportedly caused three fatalities, including the deaths of two children. Kennedy has continued to minimize the severity of the virus while misrepresenting the efficacy of the vaccines that can save lives.
Kennedy’s misinformation network extends deep, indicating that he does not subscribe to germ theory and instead supports the outdated belief in the “miasma” theory of disease. His financial gains from vaccine skepticism are notable, alongside the underlying themes resonating in his messaging that echo the ideologies seen during the Trump administration.
In past interviews, he has dangerously minimized the risks associated with measles, asserting that “It’s very, very difficult for measles to kill a healthy person.” His remarks are coupled with historically controversial statements on autism, which imply that the value of an individual’s life is weighed against their health conditions. Following his appointment as HHS Secretary, he has pursued a harsh vision of public health that some experts liken to eugenics, suggesting that certain deaths might be deemed acceptable in the context of vaccination.
Paul Offit, a vaccine scientist, has criticized this sentiment, stating, “There’s a sort of Darwin-esque notion that only the fittest survive…but these viruses can kill anybody, so that’s just wrong.” Recent measles casualties mark the first such deaths in a decade, with no underlying health conditions reported for the children involved, both of whom were previously healthy.
A pivot in messaging
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. While occasional outbreaks have occurred, they have typically been contained swiftly to prevent wider spread. In previous incidents, particularly in 2019, proactive measures from state, local, and federal authorities have effectively managed measles outbreaks, employing rigorous contact tracing and public education to ensure community awareness about the virus and vaccination options. Swift vaccination drives have been critical in curtailing these outbreaks.
“There’s a sort of Darwin-esque notion that only the fittest survive… that’s just wrong”
In the 2019 outbreak, confirmed cases approached 700, prompting strong and unified messages from the CDC and HHS officials confirming the safety of the MMR vaccine and encouraging vaccinations. However, the situation in 2025 presents different challenges. Distrust in public health agencies remains high post-COVID-19, and the absence of a confirmed CDC director underscores the current climate of uncertainty. Kennedy capitalizes on this environment with his extensive outreach, which many public health experts believe endangers public health, particularly for children.
Confirmed measles cases have exceeded 900 since January, predominantly among children, according to the CDC. Continuous local infections are occurring in at least eight states, with over ten percent of the infected needing hospitalization.
Experts caution that these statistics might underrepresent the true situation due to limited monitoring and tracking of outbreaks. In isolated communities, where medical attention is less sought after, infections often go unreported. Moreover, diminished resources and staff at the CDC pose challenges to effective surveillance, especially as community needs grow.
In a recent Fox News segment, Kennedy made false claims about the MMR vaccine, suggesting it causes deaths and other severe health issues. These assertions have been widely discredited by health experts. Properly administered, the MMR vaccine is considered remarkably safe, whereas measles can result in fatalities, with up to three in every thousand cases leading to death.
“It’ll clearly get worse.”
Kennedy has offered insincere endorsements of the MMR vaccine, often contradicting himself by suggesting that the vaccine is dangerous or ineffective. His public discourse mixes genuine encouragement for vaccination with repetitive claims that vaccines are untested and unreliable. Public health experts emphasize that the MMR vaccine has a well-documented safety profile and has been used successfully for decades, providing effective protection against measles.
The HHS has attempted to clarify Kennedy’s stance, stating he is focused on safety and transparency rather than opposing vaccines. However, the lack of scientific backing for his claims raises concerns amongst medical professionals, leading to skepticism regarding his motivations.
Offit expresses worry that the current trend could lead to a further decline in vaccination rates, which have historically prevented millions of deaths. He cautions that without effective public health messaging, the already rising cases will likely lead to more illness and preventable deaths among children.
The quiet part, not so quiet
Kennedy’s messaging carries an underlying implication that deaths from measles are acceptable, especially for those deemed unhealthy, according to a law professor reflecting on the historical undercurrents of eugenics in American public health discourse. His celebration of past “measles parties” downplays the real dangers associated with the virus and the preventable nature of its fatalities, perpetuating the idea that only the strong should survive.
Kennedy’s continuous propagation of falsehoods around autism and vaccinations further muddies the public discourse. Despite scholarly consensus debunking these theories, he continues to promote them, often employing discredited figures to lead inquiries on supposed vaccine connections. This has alarmed many health professionals who grapple with the public influence he wields.
Statements made by Kennedy regarding children with autism have provoked significant backlash due to their derogatory nature. Discussions about their quality of life often deny the potential for individual fulfillment, further marginalizing people with disabilities and suggesting they do not contribute to society. Such rhetoric is perceived as a devaluing of lives that do not meet certain societal standards.
“I think there’s a real subtext here saying that, ‘no, that’s ok, because in the old days the ones who survived were the strong ones.’”
In a recent press conference, Kennedy claimed to be targeting the pandemic of autism, signaling intentions to explore environmental contributions to autism diagnoses. While his inflammatory statements have generated concern, experts anticipate that no substantial actions supporting the autism community will emerge from his plans. Instead, focus remains on cuts to healthcare services that directly affect individuals with disabilities.
Overall, changes initiated within the HHS align with an unsettling narrative regarding the perceived value of certain lives. Critics suggest these developments reflect a broader ethos that diminishes the importance of safeguarding all lives, especially amid proposed funding cuts to essential services supporting vulnerable populations.
