Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has urged Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign from his role as U.S. health secretary, warning that his leadership threatens public health across the nation.
Sanders Condemns Kennedy’s Management
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of endangering the health of Americans and called for his immediate departure. He criticized the administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” stating that Kennedy’s policies have undermined scientific authority and weakened public health agencies.
Sanders pointed to the recent termination of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignations of four senior CDC officials who opposed Kennedy’s decisions. He condemned Kennedy’s persistent anti-vaccine stance and promotion of theories widely discredited by medical experts.
Vaccine and Public Health Concerns
The senator emphasized Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, noting that several of the experts he cites have had their credentials revoked or studies retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has long profited from spreading vaccine skepticism and is using his HHS authority to erode trust in science and public health guidance.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s policies could jeopardize childhood immunization programs, leaving children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and chickenpox.
Impact on Access to Healthcare
Sanders highlighted that Kennedy’s policies have already made it more difficult for children and younger adults to access COVID-19 vaccines, adding costs and bureaucratic hurdles. He warned that continued anti-vaccine rhetoric could further restrict access to vital healthcare services.
Bipartisan and Expert Backlash
Kennedy has faced criticism from lawmakers across party lines following CDC budget cuts and leadership changes. More than 750 current and former public health officials signed a letter labeling Kennedy an “existential threat to public health,” accusing him of spreading misinformation and undermining 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 intensified concern about the tangible consequences of health misinformation.
Despite mounting scrutiny from lawmakers, public health experts, and agency staff, Kennedy continues to defend his controversial positions, drawing widespread criticism and concern.
