Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has called for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down from his role as U.S. health secretary, citing serious concerns over the impact of his leadership on public health.
Sanders Challenges Kennedy’s Leadership
In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of putting Americans’ health at risk and demanded his immediate resignation. He criticized the administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” arguing that Kennedy’s actions have contradicted this goal by undermining scientific guidance and weakening public health agencies.
Sanders highlighted the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignations of four senior CDC officials who opposed Kennedy’s directives. He denounced Kennedy’s persistent anti-vaccine rhetoric and the promotion of widely discredited theories.
Public Health and Vaccine Concerns
The senator emphasized Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, noting that many of the experts he cites have had their medical licenses revoked or studies retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has long profited from spreading vaccine skepticism and is now using his position at HHS to erode trust in science and public health guidance.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s policies could threaten childhood immunization programs, leaving children exposed to preventable illnesses such as measles, polio, and chickenpox.
Impact on Access to Healthcare
Sanders pointed out that Kennedy’s policies have already made it more difficult for younger adults and children to access COVID-19 vaccines, adding costs and administrative hurdles. He warned that continued anti-vaccine messaging could further restrict Americans’ access to vital healthcare services.
Bipartisan and Professional Backlash
Kennedy has faced criticism from lawmakers across party lines following CDC budget cuts and changes in 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 the 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 amplified concerns about the real-world effects of health misinformation.
Despite growing scrutiny from lawmakers, health professionals, and agency staff, Kennedy continues to defend his controversial positions, drawing widespread concern and criticism.
