Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has called for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down as U.S. health secretary, warning that his tenure is putting Americans’ health at risk.
Sanders Critiques Kennedy’s Leadership
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders stated that Kennedy’s policies endanger public health and demanded his immediate resignation. He criticized the administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” asserting that Kennedy’s actions have consistently undermined scientific guidance and weakened health institutions.
Sanders pointed to the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignations of four senior CDC officials in protest of Kennedy’s policies. He condemned Kennedy’s ongoing anti-vaccine messaging and the promotion of theories widely discredited by the medical community.
Vaccine and Public Health Concerns
The senator highlighted Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, noting that many of the experts he cites have had their credentials revoked or studies retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has built a career profiting from vaccine skepticism and is now using his position to erode public trust in science and health guidance.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s approach could compromise childhood vaccination programs, putting children at risk for diseases such as measles, polio, and chickenpox.
Impact on Healthcare Access
Sanders emphasized that Kennedy’s policies have already created obstacles for children and younger adults seeking COVID-19 vaccines, leading to higher costs and administrative challenges. He warned that continued anti-vaccine rhetoric could further limit access to essential healthcare services.
Bipartisan and Expert Criticism
Kennedy has faced scrutiny from lawmakers across party lines following CDC budget cuts and leadership changes. More than 750 current and former public health officials signed a letter labeling Kennedy an “existential threat to public health,” accusing him of spreading misinformation and weakening the nation’s health infrastructure.
Recent Incident Highlights Risks
The dangers 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 taking his own life. The incident has heightened concerns about the real-world impact of health misinformation.
Despite growing criticism from lawmakers, public health experts, and agency staff, Kennedy continues to defend his controversial positions, drawing widespread scrutiny and alarm.
