Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign from his post as health secretary, citing significant risks to public health under his leadership.
Sanders Critiques Kennedy’s Tenure
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of compromising Americans’ health and insisted he should leave office immediately. He criticized the Trump administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” asserting that Kennedy’s actions have undermined scientific guidance and weakened public health systems.
Sanders pointed to the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignations of four senior CDC officials in protest of Kennedy’s policies. He condemned Kennedy’s ongoing anti-vaccine stance and his promotion of theories dismissed by mainstream medical experts.
Vaccine Safety and Public Health Concerns
The senator highlighted Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, noting that many of the experts he cites have had their credentials revoked or studies retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has profited from spreading vaccine skepticism and is using his HHS role to erode public trust in science.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s approach could put childhood vaccination programs at risk, leaving children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and chickenpox.
Effects on Healthcare Access
Sanders emphasized that Kennedy’s policies have already made it harder for younger adults and children to access COVID-19 vaccines, increasing costs and administrative hurdles. He warned that continued anti-vaccine messaging could further restrict access to essential healthcare services.
Bipartisan and Professional Pushback
Kennedy has faced criticism from lawmakers of both parties following CDC budget reductions and leadership changes. Over 750 current and former public health officials signed a letter calling Kennedy an “existential threat to public health,” accusing him of spreading misinformation and undermining the nation’s health infrastructure.
Recent Incident Highlights the Dangers
The risks of medical misinformation were highlighted 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 event has amplified concerns over the real-world impact of health misinformation.
Despite mounting criticism from lawmakers, health experts, and agency staff, Kennedy continues to defend his controversial positions, drawing widespread alarm and scrutiny.
