Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly urged Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down from his position as health secretary, arguing that his leadership is placing Americans’ health at risk.
Sanders Criticizes Kennedy’s Leadership
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of endangering the public and insisted he should resign immediately. He criticized the administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” saying that Kennedy’s actions have consistently undermined scientific guidance and weakened the nation’s public health systems.
Sanders cited the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignation of four senior CDC officials who opposed Kennedy’s directives. He condemned Kennedy’s ongoing anti-vaccine rhetoric and the promotion of theories broadly discredited by medical experts.
Concerns Over Vaccines and Public Health
The senator highlighted Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, pointing out that many of the experts he references have had their credentials revoked or studies retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has long benefited from promoting vaccine skepticism and is now using his HHS authority to erode trust in science and public health.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s policies could compromise childhood vaccination programs, leaving children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and chickenpox.
Impact on Healthcare Access
Sanders emphasized that under Kennedy, obtaining COVID-19 vaccines has become more challenging for children and younger adults, due to increased costs and bureaucratic hurdles. He warned that continued anti-vaccine messaging could further restrict access to essential healthcare services.
Bipartisan and Expert Criticism
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 weakening the nation’s health infrastructure.
Recent Incident Underscores Risks
The dangers of 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 incident has intensified concern over the real-world consequences of health misinformation.
Despite mounting pressure from lawmakers, public health experts, and agency staff, Kennedy continues to defend his controversial positions, drawing widespread scrutiny and alarm.
