Health Secretary Kennedy Faces Scrutiny Over Samoa Trip
Washington, D.C. – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under fire after documents surfaced regarding a 2019 trip to Samoa. The trip, which occurred before a major measles outbreak, is now being questioned in light of Kennedy’s past statements to Congress.
During confirmation hearings, Kennedy stated his trip to Samoa had “nothing to do with vaccines.” However, newly obtained emails suggest his concerns about vaccine safety may have been a motivating factor. These documents reveal that a U.S. Embassy employee assisted Kennedy’s team in connecting with Samoan officials.
Critics argue that Kennedy’s views on vaccines are out of step with mainstream science and could undermine public health efforts. Some worry that his current role as Health Secretary gives him too much influence over national immunization policy.
Senator Ron Wyden, stated, “Kennedy’s anti-vaccine agenda is directly responsible for the deaths of innocent children.”
The State Department released the emails following a lawsuit. The documents show that Kennedy met with Samoan officials and individuals who have expressed skepticism about vaccines.
Kennedy maintains that his trip did not influence vaccination decisions in Samoa. He has stated he went to introduce a medical data system.
The controversy comes as measles cases are rising in the U.S.
