Today's News: Even Republicans are Questioning HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s Policies on Vaccines and Public Health
He has sparked alarm among medical professionals, health experts, and senators, who fear a resurgence of preventable diseases and a decline in public trust in medical institutions.
Photo: Andrew Harnik
Overview
Date: September 7, 2025
Summary: Growing controversy surrounds Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s approach to vaccines and public health, including his skepticism towards established science, distrust of his own agencies (like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and policy changes that limit vaccine access. This has sparked alarm among medical professionals, public health experts, and even some Republican senators, who fear a resurgence of preventable diseases and a decline in public trust in medical institutions. President Trump continues to support Kennedy but faces increasing pressure as concerns about the political ramifications of Kennedy’s actions grow. Kennedy’s supporters say he is prioritizing chronic disease and that this has been overlooked.
Sources
The New York Times - Kennedy, Rejecting Data, Fuels Distrust of His Own Agencies
NBC News - Poll: Trump’s job ratings stay negative; Americans express strong support for vaccines
The Washington Post - Doubts about RFK Jr. grow for some Republicans
Key Points
Kennedy’s actions and statements undermine public trust in science and medical institutions: Articles highlight Kennedy’s rejection of data from his own agencies, his promotion of debunked theories about vaccines, and his dismissal of expert opinions, contributing to a growing crisis of trust in public health.
Kennedy’s policies spark widespread criticism and concern: Medical professionals, public health experts, and even some Republican senators express alarm over Kennedy’s actions, fearing a resurgence of preventable diseases and a weakening of the nation’s public health system.
Trump’s support for Kennedy puts him in a politically precarious position: While Trump has so far stood by Kennedy, concerns are growing that Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance could alienate the public, particularly swing voters, and damage Trump’s standing on health issues.
Growing Family Opposition: The Kennedy family is publicly feuding over the role RFK Jr. is playing in the administration, with some family members urging his resignation from office.
Support for Vaccines: Despite RFK Jr.’s position, most Americans still have confidence in vaccines and view them as safe and effective.
Changes at the CDC: A significant issue discussed is RFK Jr.’s dismissal of the CDC director and reconstitution of a vaccine advisory committee.
Unique Highlights
Specific instances of Kennedy’s rejection of data: The New York Times details Kennedy’s denial of the number of COVID-19 deaths, his claim that mRNA vaccines cause serious harm, and his accusation that the CDC and National Institutes of Health have been “asleep at the wheel” regarding antidepressant studies.
Poll results on public support for vaccines: NBC News provides specific data from a recent poll showing strong, bipartisan support for vaccines among Americans, even as Kennedy has moved to limit certain shots.
Internal GOP polling reveals risks of overhauling vaccine policies: The Washington Post reports that a conservative polling firm, Fabrizio/Ward, warned GOP lawmakers that changing vaccine policies is politically dangerous, as nearly three-quarters of Trump voters believe vaccines save lives.
Kennedy adviser theory on Trump win: The Wall Street Journal included an observation that Kennedy’s adviser, Calley Means, claims that Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement helped swing the 2024 election for Trump.
Medical groups react: CNN details actions taken by medical groups in response to Kennedy’s policies, including lawsuits and public awareness campaigns, and the increased alarm from groups such as the American Medical Association.
Kennedy Family infighting: Fox News emphasized the public criticism Kennedy is facing from his own family and their calls for him to resign.
Contrasting Details
Level of confidence in Trump’s support for Kennedy: The Wall Street Journal notes that Trump’s support for Kennedy is showing “its first signs of risk,” while The Washington Post states that White House officials said the bond between Trump and Kennedy remains strong and that the administration helped arrange an appearance for Kennedy on Fox News.
Trump’s stance on vaccines: The Wall Street Journal notes that Trump has given mixed messages on vaccines, both supporting them through Operation Warp Speed and questioning their effectiveness, while The Washington Post highlights Trump’s statement that “You have vaccines that work. They just pure and simple work. They’re not controversial at all.”
Reasons for hesitancy of medical groups to challenge: CNN notes that early on in Trump’s term, many medical groups preferred to stay quiet out of fear the Trump administration could retaliate; later, the official added, groups were hesitant about engaging because “this administration has a history of punishing people that disagree with them.”
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