Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has demanded that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. step down as health secretary, warning that his tenure is putting the American public at risk.
Senator Critiques Kennedy’s Tenure
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of endangering public health and stated that he should resign immediately. He criticized the administration’s slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” arguing that Kennedy’s policies have undermined scientific guidance and harmed public health initiatives.
Sanders referenced the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez, as well as the resignations of four senior CDC officials who opposed Kennedy’s controversial policies. He condemned Kennedy’s persistent anti-vaccine stance and his promotion of theories widely rejected by medical experts.
Concerns Over Vaccine Misinformation
The senator highlighted Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, noting that some of the authorities he cites have had their credentials revoked or studies retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has long benefited from promoting vaccine skepticism and is now using his HHS position to erode public trust in science and public health measures.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s approach could compromise childhood vaccination programs, raising the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and chickenpox.
Impact on Access to Healthcare
Sanders emphasized that Kennedy’s leadership has already made it harder for younger adults and children to access COVID-19 vaccines, creating additional bureaucratic hurdles and higher costs. He warned that continued anti-vaccine rhetoric could further limit public access to essential healthcare services.
Bipartisan and Professional Backlash
Kennedy has faced criticism from both parties following CDC budget cuts and changes in agency leadership. More than 750 current and former public health officials signed a letter describing Kennedy as an “existential threat to public health,” accusing him of spreading misinformation and weakening the nation’s health infrastructure.
Recent Incident Highlights Dangers of Misinformation
The risks of misinformation were underscored by a recent shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, where a gunman influenced by false vaccine claims killed a police officer before committing suicide. The tragedy has intensified concern over the impact of false medical information.
Despite mounting criticism from lawmakers, health professionals, and agency staff, Kennedy continues to defend his controversial positions, drawing widespread scrutiny and alarm.
