Robert F Kennedy Jr faced fierce criticism from lawmakers during a House ways and means committee hearing on Thursday, with Democrats accusing him of promoting misinformation on vaccines and public health. The health secretary, a longtime vaccine sceptic, was grilled over his department’s recent cuts to vaccine recommendations and public messaging campaigns, which critics say have contributed to a surge in measles cases.
Kennedy opened his testimony by claiming that “our children are the sickest generation in modern history”, despite data showing falling child mortality and rising life expectancy. He focused on food dyes, menopause treatments and gender-affirming care, but notably avoided discussing vaccines, apparently under pressure from the administration. Democrats repeatedly pressed him on the issue, with Linda Sánchez of California asking whether President Trump approved the decision to end the CDC’s pro-vaccine advertising campaign. Kennedy accused Sánchez of spreading misinformation, leading to a tense exchange.
Mike Thompson, also a Democrat from California, highlighted the ongoing measles outbreak, noting nearly 2,300 cases under the Trump administration and deaths linked to the disease. “Your dangerous conspiracy theories are undermining safe and effective vaccines,” he said. Judy Chu raised concerns about the decision to stop universally recommending the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, which Kennedy defended by claiming babies are at “zero risk” unless their mother is infected. However, experts note that up to 500,000 pregnant women are not tested for hepatitis B each year, and the virus can be transmitted from caregivers.
Republicans also voiced objections. Blake Moore of Utah recounted how the administration’s false claim that Tylenol use in pregnancy causes autism hurt his wife, who felt responsible for their son’s diagnosis. Kennedy also faced questions about his plans to reform the US Preventive Services Task Force, which he described as “lackadaisical and negligent”. Lloyd Doggett of Texas criticised the reinstatement of 850 agents and brokers suspected of fraud under the Trump administration, which Kennedy dismissed as “not a credible story”.
