Emails Expose RFK Jr's Samoa Trip Coordination with Ambassador Scott Brown
Newly disclosed records have unveiled details about the relationship between Robert F Kennedy Jr and Scott Brown, shedding light on Brown's awareness of Kennedy's controversial 2019 trip to Samoa. This visit occurred months before a devastating measles outbreak that claimed 83 lives, predominantly young children.
The emails, obtained by the Guardian through a lawsuit, show that Brown, who served as Donald Trump's ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, was kept informed about Kennedy's journey. Kennedy, then leading an anti-vaccine organisation, made the trip as vaccination rates in Samoa had plummeted following a tragic incident where two babies died from a tainted measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Embassy Involvement and Distancing Efforts
Records indicate that Antone Greubel, the deputy chief of mission in Samoa, alerted Brown in May 2019 about Kennedy's impending visit. Greubel noted that Kennedy's motivation was linked to his views on vaccines, specifically raising awareness about health concerns associated with vaccination. Despite Greubel's efforts to distance the US embassy from the trip, including instructing staffer Benjamin Harding to cease involvement, emails confirm that Brown met with Kennedy at the embassy.
It remains unclear what was discussed during this meeting or whether vaccines were a topic. Neither Brown's campaign nor Kennedy's representatives have responded to requests for comment, nor has the US State Department provided additional insights.
Political Connections and Senate Scrutiny
Brown, a former Republican senator from Massachusetts, has since become a key figure in Kennedy's political circle. In 2023, Brown hosted Kennedy at a backyard barbecue in New Hampshire, drawing a large crowd. Later, when Kennedy shifted to an independent presidential run, he reportedly considered Brown as a vice-presidential candidate, though Brown declined. Brown has also stated that he assisted Kennedy in preparing for Senate confirmation hearings for the role of US health secretary.
During these hearings, Kennedy faced intense questioning about his Samoa trip, denying any connection to the measles outbreak. He claimed his visit had "nothing to do with vaccines" and downplayed the severity of the outbreak, making unsubstantiated claims about the causes of death. Samoan health officials and experts, including Hawaii Governor Josh Green, have refuted these statements, labelling them as fabrications.
Impact on Vaccine Policy and Elections
The revelations come at a critical time, as Brown campaigns for a Senate seat in New Hampshire, with control of the Senate hanging in the balance. Vaccine policy has emerged as a contentious issue in the midterms, with some Republicans concerned that Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance could harm their electoral prospects. The emails add fuel to this debate, highlighting the intersection of politics and public health.
As the story unfolds, the released records continue to prompt questions about transparency and accountability in government dealings. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the lasting implications of Kennedy's Samoa visit and its role in shaping current political and health discussions.
