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RFK Jr.’s Early Moves as Health Secretary Stir Vaccine Concerns and Food Policy Shifts

In his first month, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has drawn criticism for vaccine skepticism while pushing for changes in food additives and dietary policies.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arrives before Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Donald Trump speak during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
FILE - A vial of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is on display at the Lubbock Health Department Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Mary Conlon, File)
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Overview

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has canceled or postponed key vaccine advisory meetings and called for investigations into debunked vaccine-autism links, raising alarm among public health experts.
  • Kennedy’s comments on the Texas and New Mexico measles outbreak, including promotion of unproven treatments and downplaying vaccines, have sparked confusion and concern about preventable diseases.
  • The CDC, under Kennedy’s leadership, plans to research potential vaccine-autism links despite overwhelming scientific evidence debunking any connection.
  • Kennedy has directed the FDA to tighten regulations on food additives and advocated for dietary changes, including promoting beef tallow over seed oils in fast food preparation.
  • Steak ’n Shake’s shift to beef tallow for frying has aligned with Kennedy’s dietary agenda, drawing both praise and criticism for its overt political and health messaging.