One of the many controversial appointments to important positions within the United States federal government by the latest administration going into 2025, none might be more controversial than Robert F. Kennedy, the person in charge of health in this country. Officially, he was recently confirmed by the United States Senate as the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Being a respected Democratic-turned-Independent politician, as well as an environmental lawyer and activist, RFK seemed to have what it took to handle the job. As the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, he seemed like a great choice. 

Unfortunately, in the short time he has been in this position, a terrible disease that affects young unvaccinated children that hasn’t been in the headlines in the past 10 years is now back with a striking vengeance: measles. It has struck primarily in the state of Texas and has been affecting children and adults. One child has been confirmed to have died, thousands are infected, and one has to wonder, was this the fault of our own government?

A few months ago, respected Democratic and Independent politician, environmental lawyer, activist, and conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was appointed by the 45th and the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump to be the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services due to his endorsement of him during the election season. Given his history as a health activist, he was committed to “Make America Healthy Again.” Following the start of the new administration, he underwent numerous confirmation hearings by the United States Senate and was officially appointed to the position on February 13. 

In this position, RFK Jr. was responsible for overseeing medical research and keeping Americans safe. Unfortunately, during this time, a massive outbreak of measles was reported in young unvaccinated children in Texas. Over the following weeks, 146 people became infected, and one unvaccinated child unfortunately passed away. 

So what led to this? To dive into that, we need to look at RFK’s history with public health. The truth is: it’s not pretty. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a long history of being a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement. It’s okay for people not to trust vaccines, as there’s no guarantee of the effect they will have on patients. But another fact is this: vaccines have been crucial in preventing and treating diseases, as well as stopping outbreaks, and have served as answered prayers in ending plagues, epidemics, and pandemics. 

Yet in past years, RFK Jr. has publicly denounced vaccines, linking them to autism. Kennedy said there had been two deaths and that “there have been four measles outbreaks this year. In this country last year, there were 16. So it’s not unusual. We have measles outbreaks every year.” He also falsely claimed that the people hospitalized were done so “mainly for quarantine,” a claim refuted by healthcare professionals.

Such outbreaks of the disease had been declared domestically eliminated. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden wrote, “Nothing about kids dying from measles is normal.” Anti-vaxxers like RFK Jr. and the Republicans who enable them are responsible for every single one of these deaths. Days later, Kennedy called the outbreak a “top priority” for the department. Yet, he continues to distance himself and his role in the start of the Texas outbreak.

This is not even the first time Kennedy has been criticized for his response to public outbreaks. During the pandemic, Kennedy promoted multiple conspiracy theories related to COVID, including false claims accusing Anthony Fauci and the Gates Foundation of trying to profit off a vaccine and suggesting that Bill Gates would cut off access to money for people who do not get vaccinated. Kennedy has promoted misinformation about the vaccine.

So in conclusion, Robert F. Kennedy was put in charge of the health in our country, and in turn, we have a new outbreak because he did what he could to turn public attention away from vaccines. So, maybe it’s time we put those in favor of doing the right thing in charge of our public health.