Jerry Jackson More than 15,000 physicians have signed a letter urging the Senate to oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination. They warn that his history of promoting harmful conspiracy theories poses a significant risk to public health.
Doctors Cite Kennedy’s Record of Misinformation
The letter, organized by the Committee to Protect Health Care, strongly criticizes Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Kennedy. The doctors express their outrage, stating, “RFK Jr. is not only unqualified but actively dangerous.”
They highlight Kennedy’s long-standing promotion of vaccine conspiracy theories and his disregard for scientific evidence. The letter specifically mentions Kennedy’s visit to Samoa in 2019. There, his anti-vaccine rhetoric fueled a measles outbreak that killed 83 people, most of them children under five years old.
The doctors emphasize the critical role of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in protecting public health. “The health of 336 million Americans depends on leadership that prioritizes science and evidence-based medicine,” the letter states. The authors argue that Kennedy’s actions undermine public trust and jeopardize healthcare systems.
Bipartisan Criticism and Growing Opposition
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked widespread criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. If all Democrats oppose his confirmation, Kennedy would need nearly unanimous Republican support to secure the position. Advocacy groups like Protect Our Care have launched campaigns to block his confirmation. Last month, 77 Nobel laureates also signed a letter opposing his nomination.
Critics are particularly concerned about Kennedy’s plans to weaken federal health agencies by cutting staff, funding, and resources. They warn that such actions would reverse decades of progress in improving public health outcomes.
Donald Trump’s support for Kennedy has added to the controversy. In a December 2024 interview, Trump repeated debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. “We need to investigate why autism rates have risen so dramatically in the past decades,” Trump said. These statements mirror Kennedy’s discredited narratives and fuel additional concerns among healthcare professionals.
A Dire Warning About Public Health
The letter concludes with a stark warning about Kennedy’s potential impact on public health. “RFK Jr.’s rhetoric and actions endanger millions by eroding trust in essential healthcare systems,” the doctors write. They stress that his appointment would harm children and vulnerable populations by undermining vaccination programs and critical health initiatives.
The physicians urge the Senate to prioritize the health and safety of Americans by rejecting Kennedy’s nomination. “This is not leadership,” the letter states. “It is sabotage of our public health system.” As the Senate vote approaches, opposition from the medical community continues to grow.